WhistlePig just made a huge splash into the world of “North American” Single Malt whiskey, with the launch of The Béhôlden. The Vermont-based distillery is calling the 21 year old whiskey the first-ever super-aged North American single malt.
WhistlePig The Béhôlden is made from 100% malted barley “at the first Single Malt distillery in North America,” says the brand. As it turns out, the distillery in question is actually in Canada, though which distillery remains unclear. Speculation so far points to Glenora out of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, which first began distilling back in 1990.
Aged for 21 years in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a 4 week long finish in-ex WhistlePig Rye barrels, the whiskey features a rich maple and dried fruit notes to a bready, nutty base along with savory spice with subtle smokey notes.
On the nose, sweet fruit notes lead into scents of cinnamon. The palate finds golden raisin, graham cracker, and black cherry. The finish features solid oak with maple and praline, and a hint of smoke on finish.
Just 18 barrels of The Béhôlden have been made available at this time, and all of it has been bottled at 46% ABV.
The whiskey is priced at $800 over 750ml bottle and available nationwide via the brand’s official website.
Back in August, WhistlePig launched its Piggyback 100 Proof bourbon, a sidekick to the 100% Rye.