WhistlePig The Béhôlden is the Vermont rye specialist's first-ever single malt, a 21 year old whiskey distilled from 100% malted barley and finished in WhistlePig's own rye casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) at WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont.
WhistlePig built its name on ultra-aged rye, and The Béhôlden applies the same approach to malt. The spirit was distilled at the first single malt distillery in Canada and matured for 21 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. WhistlePig then brought it to the farm and finished it for four weeks in WhistlePig rye casks, adding a layer of spice and maple sweetness to the long-aged malt.
The result is a silky, balanced whiskey, with golden raisin, graham cracker, black cherry and malty sweetness, rising into spice. The initial release was drawn from just 18 barrels, and WhistlePig has said more releases with even greater age statements will follow, making this first edition an important bottle for collectors of the brand.
The tall, elegant bottle carries a cream label with WhistlePig's pig crest, the name The Béhôlden and a bold red 21, with the WP monogram embossed in gold at its base.
Tasting Notes
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Palate: Silky and balanced, with golden raisin, graham cracker, black cherry and malty sweetness.
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Finish: Rising spice with maple and dried fruit.
Specifications
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Producer: WhistlePig, Shoreham, Vermont
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Style: Single Malt Whiskey, 100% malted barley
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Expression / Batch: The Béhôlden, first release (18 barrels)
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Age: 21 years
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Proof / ABV: 92 proof (46% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: American oak ex-bourbon barrels, finished four weeks in WhistlePig rye casks
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Region: Distilled in Canada; finished and bottled in Vermont
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Pour it neat into a nosing glass and give it a few minutes; the dried fruit and malt open up with air, and a drop of water lifts the spice. It pairs well with shortbread, dark chocolate or a mild cigar. As WhistlePig's first single malt, it is a natural gift for a collector of the brand or any malt lover curious about North American single malt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Béhôlden a rye whiskey?
No; it is WhistlePig's first single malt, made from 100% malted barley and finished in WhistlePig rye casks.
How old is WhistlePig The Béhôlden?
It is aged 21 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before its rye cask finish.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 46% ABV, or 92 proof.
Explore more in our American Whiskey collection.
