In the world of fine spirits, few things stir up excitement like a truly rare release from a distillery that's earned its stripes. WhistlePig, the Vermont-based outfit that's become a go-to for rye lovers, has just dropped what might be its crown jewel: a 30-year-old single malt called The BigShǝBàng. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's the oldest and priciest whiskey the brand has ever put out, pulling from only four carefully selected barrels. For guys who appreciate a good pour after a long day, whether it's kicking back in the den or sharing stories around the fire pit, this one promises a taste that's as bold as its name.
WhistlePig started making waves back in 2010, mostly with rye whiskey sourced from places like MGP in Indiana and distilleries up in Canada. They pretty much kickstarted the high-end rye scene in the States, turning heads with blends that packed serious flavor. Over the years, the company has grown up, moving beyond just buying stock to crafting their own bourbon and rye right there in Vermont. There was some drama along the way—the founder, Raj Bhakta, got pushed out about a decade ago—but that hasn't slowed them down. Instead, they've kept innovating, rolling out special editions that show off their knack for aging and finishing whiskey in unique ways.
This new release fits right into a lineup of single malts that's got folks talking. It follows the 21-year-old Béhôlden, which wraps up in WhistlePig's own barrels and goes for around $900, and the 25-year-old Badönkådonk, finished in Silver Oak Cabernet barrels at about $2,000. Like those, The BigShǝBàng is billed as a North American single malt, made from 100% malted barley. The distillery keeps the exact origin under wraps, but it's widely thought to come from Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton, Canada—the oldest spot for single malt on the continent. What sets this one apart is the sheer time it's spent maturing: three full decades in American oak barrels, then a final touch in casks that once held Vin Santo, that sweet Italian dessert wine made from white grapes.
Meghan Ireland, the head blender at WhistlePig, summed it up best in her take on the project. She said they didn't hold onto this whiskey for 30 years just to play it safe. Instead, it's like a burst of flavors that's out of this world—something totally new for the brand. They've been chasing down those Vin Santo barrels for years, and when a handful finally came through, it was the perfect match to add layers of depth. It's that kind of hunt for the right elements that turns a good whiskey into something memorable, the sort of complexity that rewards patient sipping.
Bottled as single barrel expressions at 90.4 proof—that's 45.2% ABV—each one comes from those four barrels, making this an ultra-limited run. If you're used to Scotch, 30 years might sound solid but not ancient; think premium stuff like a well-aged Macallan or Glen Grant. But for a North American single malt, this is pushing boundaries, especially at a suggested retail price of $5,000 for a 750ml bottle. Yeah, that's a hefty tag, but for collectors or anyone who's built up a home bar over the years, it's the kind of investment that could become a conversation starter. It's not Scotch, but it's got its own character that stands tall.
Diving into what it actually tastes like, the official notes paint a picture of something warm and inviting. On the nose, you get hits of honeyed bread and wheat crust, with a subtle floral note weaving through. Take a sip, and the palate opens up with gentle clove, the feel of freshly kneaded dough, and a touch of honeysuckle. It finishes with toasted cedar and a lingering sweet echo that sticks around. Tasters have picked up even more layers—like solid oak influence, a kick of cinnamon spice, notes of dark chocolate mixed with milk chocolate, and a hint of dusty leather balanced by some berry-like sweetness underneath. It's the kind of profile that evolves in the glass, rewarding you if you let it breathe or add a drop of water. For men who've spent time exploring whiskeys, this could be that next-level experience, blending familiarity with surprises that make each dram feel special.
Availability is tight, as you'd expect with something this rare. You won't find it for sale online straight from the distillery, but it's hitting select specialty shops across the country. There's also the new WhistlePig Vault in Louisville, Kentucky, where you might snag one if you're in the area or planning a road trip. To sweeten the deal, they're re-releasing limited amounts of the Béhôlden at $900 and the Badönkådonk at $2,000, so if the 30-year-old is out of reach, those are solid entry points into the series. The rest of WhistlePig's core lineup, like their ryes and bourbons, is easy to grab right from their website, making it simple to build out your collection.
At the end of the day, The BigShǝBàng isn't just about the age or the price—it's a nod to how far American whiskey has come. From a brand that started with sourced spirits to one that's now dropping bottles like this, it's a reminder that great things take time. If you're the type who enjoys hunting down that perfect bottle for the cabinet, or just wants to treat yourself to something exceptional, this release might be worth the chase. It's got the makings of a legend in the making, one sip at a time.
