WhistlePig has been in the news a lot lately. From a leadership transition to the new 10-Year-Old PiggyBank Rye and lastly a WhistlePig and Alice Cooper team up.
Let's get into these one by one.
WhistlePig Whiskey Announces Leadership Transition
After ten amazing years of leadership, Jeff Kozak is leaving his position as CEO of WhistlePig Whiskey to seek other opportunities, the firm announced today. While the Board searches outside for Kozak's replacement, WhistlePig board member and industry veteran Marty Birkel is filling in as interim CEO. Kozak will continue to act as a Board advisor and become a consultant to the company in order to facilitate the transition and guarantee a smooth handover.
“It has been a privilege of a lifetime to help build WhistlePig from a small craft rye whiskey company into an internationally acclaimed whiskey brand that is known for and continues to push the boundaries of quality, innovation, and independence. I am so proud of the incredibly talented team we have built and I’m excited for them to continue to disrupt and challenge the broader American whiskey and bourbon category globally.” ~ Jeff Kozak CEO of WhistlePig
“The Board of Directors is grateful for Jeff’s contributions over the past 10 years, which have helped establish WhistlePig as a distinctive leader in the super premium American whiskey category and grow our company to over $100mm in sales. We thank Jeff for his decade of service and look forward to seeing what’s next for him. As WhistlePig enters its next growth chapter, we are excited to continue to push the boundaries of quality, innovation and independence, with the goal of becoming the American whiskey of choice for consumers around the world. We see great opportunities ahead of us, including in route to market with our recently established national partnership with Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, as well as on the product and brand equity building and awareness side, and believe that we have all the ingredients in place for this next chapter of the company’s growth and success.” ~ Wilco Faessen, Co-Founder and Chairman
WhistlePig’s New 10-Year-Old PiggyBank Rye
Image credit: WhistlePig
The Vermont distillery WhistlePig has been living up to its name for the past two years by releasing a limited-edition pig decanter that pours rye whiskey directly out the back of the porcine bottle. The brand went above and beyond this year by creating an online lottery where fans can win financial prizes and changing the decanter's color to gold.
The whiskey in the golden pig decanter is the same rye as is in the core expression; it has been aged for ten years, but it is 110 proof instead of the Small Batch's 100 proof. In conjunction with this release, earlier this month, WhistlePig opened a pop-up store called Gold ‘n’ Grocer where customers could buy WhistlePig goods and enter a lottery to win cash prizes. If you were unable to participate, you have until January 5 to visit the distillery's "Whole Lotto Pig" website for a chance to win up to $10,000.
“WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Gold Limited Edition is more than just a celebration of rye whiskey—it’s a toast to our fans and the holiday spirit. With its bold, gold makeover and our unique Gold ‘n’ Grocer experience, a New York corner store with a Vermont Twist, we’re blending tradition with a touch of irreverent fun. Whether you’re gifting a golden PiggyBank or enjoying a Gold Fashioned cocktail, this season is all about raising the bar on holiday cheer.” ~ Alex Short, WhistlePig’s VP of Marketing
WhistlePig and Alice Cooper Team Up For Dry January
Image credit: WhistlePig
In order to defy all the Dry January restrictions, they have partnered with the renowned Alice Cooper to introduce the Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry Old Fashioned, a non-alcoholic drink, this January. This limited-edition product, which channeled the primal energy of rock and roll while promoting a great cause, is equal parts rebellion and flavor.
This is not your average sober drink—it's the Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry Old Fashioned. Aphrodisiac Damiana, adaptogenic Cordyceps and Schisandra Berry, and barrel-aged maple syrup combine to create this sensory-explosive drink, which is made with WhistlePig's 100% Rye Non-Whiskey. The end effect is a multi-layered, intricate flavor profile that can compete with any classic cocktail.
Notes of flinty black pepper, wild herbs, and summer fruit open the experience. Candied lime and lemon riffs dominate the flavor as it develops, with smokey mushroom umami providing depth and harmony. The strong power chord at the end leaves the drinker wanting more.
Image credit: WhistlePig
WhistlePig's partnership with Alice Cooper gives this offering a thrilling edge. Cooper, who is well-known for his exaggerated character, brought his rebellious flair to the endeavor and even called the cocktail a "lethal injection of flavors."
WhistlePig and Primary Wave Music are celebrating the launch by giving fans access to exceptional experiences, such as a limited-edition vinyl featuring Cooper's album Breadcrumbs that has been infused with rye liquor. At a once-in-a-lifetime event, lucky fans will also have the opportunity to play golf and rock out with Cooper.
WhistlePig is giving back with this release, in keeping with its renegade spirit. The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that offers financial aid and community services to food service workers in need, will receive all proceeds from the Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry Old Fashioned.
Beginning January 1, 2025, fans who are keen to get this revolutionary drink can buy a 750mL bottle of the Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry Old Fashioned for $49.99. The extremely limited "Go Pig Go Bundle" for $199.99 includes the cocktail and the unique Breadcrumbs rye-infused vinyl for those seeking a more upscale experience. Collectors will have to move quickly because there are only 250 bundles available.
