WhistlePig Farm SummerStock Pit Viper landed on my desk at 43% ABV, mash bill: wheat and rye, SRP $72, carrying a $72.99/ 750ml bottle or $149 price tag. Here is what I found.
Nose
This is golden in color with a yellow undertone and moderate intensity. Initially, this is very reminiscent of the flagship WhistlePig 10 Year Rye but with the buttery notes cranked up to 11. It was not my cup of tea (or stick of butter). But the addition of ice is transformative and highly recommended.rnrnNeat or chilled, this is a bombastic style of rye from a bombastic duo of companies. It will stand up nicely to smoked or grilled summer BBQs and heavily spiced dishes. Its sweet enough on the nose and palate to pair with caramel or cream-based desserts such as pecan pie or ice cream.
Palate
My initial impression is of malted cereal, red apples, and butter crackers. The palate opens up into melted butter poured over braised carrots. The savory note leads into mild sweet flavors of pears poached in vanilla sugar. Its rich and decedent. Theres a wisp of anise on the finish that adds interest. Their tasting note mentions maple a few times, which I can pick up on. To me, the maple character is like maple hard candy instead of maple syrup or maple sugar candy. Us New Englanders get particular about tree sap. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Finish
Aged in char 3 oak barrels and finished in char 3 barrels, a proprietary toast, and sun toasted barrels, 43% ABV, mash bill: wheat and rye, SRP $72.99/ 750ml bottle or $149.99 with the sunglasses.
The Bottom Line
WhistlePig Farm SummerStock Pit Viper is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $72.99/ 750ml bottle or $149, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
