WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt 4th Edition PX Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey 92 Proof 750ml

WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt 4th Edition is the PX Sherry cask finished evolution of the oldest age stated rye in the WhistlePig core lineup, from the Vermont farm distillery founded in 2007 by Raj Bhakta with legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. Built on a meticulously crafted double malt mash bill of 79% rye, 15% malted rye, and 6% malted barley, this expression revisits an old farmer distillery practice of malting a small portion of the rye grain to kickstart fermentation, a technique that unlocks deeper floral and earthy notes that standard raw rye simply cannot deliver. Aged 18 years to mellow softness, the 4th Edition is then finished in genuine Spanish Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, layering rich dried fruit, dark chocolate, and intense honeyed sweetness onto an already complex base. Bottled at 92 proof and crowned with a bespoke hand made Vermont glass topper, the 4th Edition was released in an outturn of approximately 10,000 bottles, making it a true collector's piece for serious fans of fully matured American rye.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber with rich copper highlights from PX cask influence.

Nose: Sweet and aromatic, with toasted almonds, caramel, vanilla, subtle smoked maple, berries, and nutmeg, layered with chamomile tea, candied orange, grape jam, and balanced oak.

Palate: Elegant and spicy with a rush of warmth, melting into honeyed spice, grassy rye, nutty depth, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and warm oak balanced by PX sherry sweetness. Bright citrus, orange peel, pepper, and tingly spice arrive with time.

Finish: Wonderfully long, clean, and spicy, with lingering dried fruit, cocoa, soft honey, drying oak tannin, and a touch of vanilla sweetness.

FAQ

What does "Double Malt" mean in rye whiskey? Double malt refers to a mash bill that uses both malted barley and malted rye, rather than just raw rye grain plus barley. Malting the rye itself is unusual in modern American whiskey production but was historically common among small farmer distillers. The technique unlocks floral, earthy, and softer flavor compounds in the rye that standard mash bills do not produce, creating a meaningfully different profile from typical high rye whiskies.

How is the 4th Edition different from earlier WhistlePig 18 releases? The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions of WhistlePig 18 Double Malt were matured in new American oak only, with no finish. Starting with the 4th Edition, WhistlePig introduced a Spanish Pedro Ximenez sherry cask finish, layering rich dried fruit, dark chocolate, and intense honeyed sweetness onto the rye base. The PX finish significantly changes the flavor profile compared to earlier non finished editions.

What is PX sherry and why does it matter? Pedro Ximenez is the sweetest and richest style of Spanish sherry, made from sun dried grapes that concentrate into intensely syrupy, raisined, fig and date forward flavors. Casks that previously held PX impart heavy dried fruit, chocolate, and dessert wine richness, transforming the dry, peppery character of aged rye into something layered with sweet complexity.

How does this compare to WhistlePig's core lineup? WhistlePig 18 is the oldest expression in the brand's age stated portfolio and sits well above the everyday PiggyBack 100 Proof Rye and the flagship WhistlePig 10 Year. For an even more elite tier, look toward the WhistlePig 30 Year The BigSheBang Single Malt, the rarest bottling in the brand's history.

Where can I buy WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt 4th Edition online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.