WhistlePig Whiskey has once again partnered with Formula 1 racing, releasing an exciting new limited-edition whiskey for 2024. Their latest collaboration, the PiggyBack Rye: 2024 Stake F1® Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel, is a whiskey that brings together the precision of Formula 1 with the craftsmanship of premium rye. This whiskey, with its unique twist, offers a new flavor experience for whiskey enthusiasts and race fans alike, promising to leave a lasting impression.
Image credit: WhistlePig
A Unique Finish: Aged in OΛTH Gin Barrels
What makes this new PiggyBack Rye truly stand out is its unusual finishing process. After aging for six years in New American Oak, the rye whiskey was finished in gin barrels—specifically, barrels from OΛTH Gin, the personal gin brand of F1 driver Valtteri Bottas. OΛTH Gin, known for its distinctive recipe that includes oats and apple peels sourced from Bottas' native Finland, imparts a delicate, crisp flavor to the rye. This finishing process, lasting two weeks, adds a new dimension to the rye, blending softness with fresh apple notes and subtle pine undertones.
The use of gin barrels in the whiskey-making process is rare and unconventional. Typically, rye whiskey is finished in wine or sherry casks, which add rich fruity or nutty flavors. By using gin barrels, WhistlePig and Bottas have created a rye that offers a lighter, more refreshing profile while still retaining the complexity and depth rye whiskey is known for.
Bottled at 100.77 Proof: A Nod to Racing
This limited-edition whiskey is bottled at a robust 100.77 proof, an homage to Bottas’ racing number, 77. The higher proof level ensures that the whiskey retains its boldness, delivering a full-bodied drinking experience. The mix of caramel, vanilla, and rye spices from the whiskey’s American oak aging, combined with the fresh, crisp influence of the gin barrel, creates a unique balance of flavors. Each sip offers a taste that transports drinkers to the fast-paced world of F1 racing, with flavors described as reminiscent of the thrill of the track.
A Second Collaboration: Continuing the F1 Partnership
This release marks the second year of collaboration between WhistlePig and Formula 1, following the success of last year’s Alfa Romeo-themed rye whiskey, which was flavored with lychee and oolong tea. That whiskey took an innovative approach by exposing some of its barrels to the intense G-forces of the Alfa Romeo F1 team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland, in an attempt to enhance the interaction between the wood and the whiskey. Although this year’s PiggyBack Rye didn’t go through that extreme process, it still offers plenty of excitement with its gin-barrel finish and connection to one of F1’s most popular drivers.
Bottas himself is heavily involved in this year’s project. As a racing legend and gin aficionado, his personal touch can be felt throughout the whiskey. In a press release filled with racing puns, Bottas said, “I’m excited to once again join G-forces with WhistlePig as our team’s official whiskey partner. While an unusual blend, the PiggyBack Rye and OΛTH Gin make a strong team—a thrilling ‘Ryed’ from lights out to the checkered flag. Drink it slow while I drive fast, and enjoy the ‘ryed.’” Bottas’ enthusiasm for both his racing career and his craft gin business shines through in this special whiskey.
A Whiskey for Both Race Fans and Rye Enthusiasts
With its high-quality rye base and innovative gin-barrel finishing, the PiggyBack Rye: 2024 Stake F1® Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel is a whiskey that appeals to a broad audience. Whether you're a Formula 1 fan looking for a collectible bottle connected to the sport, or a whiskey connoisseur interested in trying something new and different, this limited-edition release delivers. The whiskey’s complex flavor profile—combining classic rye spiciness with a crisp apple and pine finish—makes it suitable for sipping neat or as the base for elevated cocktails like a Manhattan or a Martini.
The blend of rye whiskey and gin might seem unusual, but it’s exactly this kind of bold experimentation that has made WhistlePig a standout name in the whiskey world. The whiskey’s smooth yet complex taste mirrors the precision and intensity of F1 racing, making it the perfect drink to enjoy while watching a high-speed race or celebrating a favorite driver’s victory.
Limited Edition Offerings and Pricing
For those eager to get their hands on this special release, WhistlePig offers a few different purchasing options. A standard bottle of PiggyBack Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel is available for $60 directly from WhistlePig’s website. For fans looking for something a bit more exclusive, a $170 package includes both a regular bottle of PiggyBack Rye and a bottle signed by Bottas himself. And for those who want to go all out, a $285 package includes a signed bottle, a regular bottle of PiggyBack Rye, last year’s Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel Rye, a hat, and a pour spot.
In addition to this limited-edition release, the entire lineup of WhistlePig whiskey is available on ReserveBar, allowing whiskey lovers to explore their range of innovative rye expressions.
Final Thoughts: A Whiskey Worth the Ride
The PiggyBack Rye: 2024 Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel is more than just a whiskey—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the thrill of Formula 1 racing. By teaming up with Valtteri Bottas and finishing their rye whiskey in OΛTH Gin barrels, WhistlePig has created a truly unique expression that stands out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a fan of Bottas, a collector of limited-edition whiskeys, or just someone who enjoys a finely crafted spirit, this rye whiskey promises to deliver a memorable and enjoyable drinking experience.
About WhistlePig
WhistlePig Distillery is a prominent and highly regarded producer of American whiskey, primarily known for its exceptional rye whiskey offerings. Located in Shoreham, Vermont, the distillery has gained a reputation for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the art of crafting premium spirits.
At the heart of WhistlePig's identity is its dedication to rye whiskey, a category that has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The distillery takes pride in sourcing the finest rye grains, often referred to as the "grain with a backbone," which contribute to the distinct and bold flavors found in their spirits.
One of WhistlePig's standout products is its 100% Straight Rye Whiskey, which has received critical acclaim for its complexity, balance, and depth of flavor. These whiskeys are often aged for an extended period, allowing them to develop rich, spicy, and robust characteristics that have garnered a dedicated following among whiskey enthusiasts.
WhistlePig is also known for its commitment to the concept of "farm-to-bottle" whiskey production. The distillery takes a holistic approach to crafting its spirits, from sourcing rye grains from its own farm to producing whiskey entirely on-site. This approach allows for greater control over the entire production process, ensuring the highest quality and a unique sense of terroir in their whiskey.
In addition to its core rye whiskey offerings, WhistlePig has released limited-edition and experimental expressions that have captivated connoisseurs and collectors alike. These special releases often showcase different aging techniques, unique cask finishes, and innovative flavor profiles, demonstrating the distillery's willingness to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.
Visitors to the WhistlePig Distillery in Vermont can enjoy tours and tastings, providing insight into the distillation process, the importance of rye grain, and the craftsmanship behind their products. The distillery's picturesque setting, nestled in the Vermont countryside, adds to the overall experience, making it a sought-after destination for whiskey aficionados.
In summary, WhistlePig Distillery is a respected and innovative player in the American whiskey industry, celebrated for its dedication to rye whiskey, commitment to quality, and pioneering approach to whiskey production. With a focus on craft, flavor, and tradition, WhistlePig continues to be a trailblazer in the world of American spirits.