WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon is the sweeter counterpart to the brand's iconic cocktail rye, the bourbon side of Dave Pickerell's final WhistlePig project. Starting with a high corn mash bill that keeps a dash of rye as a nod to WhistlePig's heritage, the spirit is aged a full six years in Char #3 new American oak barrels and bottled at a clean 100 proof. The result is a versatile, full bodied bourbon designed to drink equally well neat or in citrus and sour forward cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour. PiggyBack carries the small details that mark the Pickerell era — the pig mascot wears a Stetson hat rather than the usual top hat as a tribute to the late Master Distiller, and the bottle is hand bottled at the WhistlePig farm in Vermont. A core lineup staple, accessible price point, and the gateway bourbon for anyone discovering WhistlePig from the rye side of the catalog.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
WhistlePig |
| Distillery |
Bottled at WhistlePig Farm, Shoreham, Vermont |
| Founder |
Raj Bhakta (Founded 2007) |
| Original Master Distiller |
Dave Pickerell (1956 to 2018) |
| Category |
Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch |
| Mash Bill |
High Corn with a dash of Rye |
| Age Statement |
6 Years |
| Maturation |
New American Oak, Char #3 Barrels |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States (Vermont) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with warm caramel highlights.
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and brown sugar with light baking spice and a touch of summer fruit.
Palate: Rich caramel, sweet corn, vanilla cream, and seasoned oak meet roasted nuts and a soft maple sweetness, with cinnamon and gentle spice rolling in toward the back.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering caramel sweetness, structured oak spice, and a clean bourbon fade.
FAQ
How is PiggyBack Bourbon different from PiggyBack Rye? The Rye is 100% rye bottled at 96.56 proof, designed by Dave Pickerell for cocktails on the spicy side of the spectrum. The Bourbon is a high corn mash bill (with a dash of rye) bottled at a cleaner 100 proof and skews sweeter, with caramel and corn forward notes. Same six year age, same Pickerell era ethos, different category and use case.
Why are PiggyBack bottles different from the WhistlePig flagship? The PiggyBack line was Pickerell's final creation before his passing in 2018, designed as the accessible entry tier into the WhistlePig brand. The bottle shape is ergonomic for bartender use and carries small Pickerell tributes including the Stetson hat on the pig mascot.
What cocktails does PiggyBack Bourbon work best in? With its sweeter profile, PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon shines in citrus and sour drinks — Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and bourbon forward classics where the 100 proof provides backbone without overwhelming.
How does this compare to other WhistlePig releases? PiggyBack Bourbon is the entry bourbon tier. Step up to the new flagship Snout to Tail 10 Year Toasted Bourbon for WhistlePig's premium bourbon expression, or explore the rye side with the flagship WhistlePig 10 Year Rye.
Where can I buy WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
