WhistlePig 10-Year Small Batch Rye is my introduction to whiskeys produced by WhistelPig. It's my understanding that it's sourced from a stock of 10-year-old blending Whiskey distilled in Canada. Canadian sourcing may explain why this 10-year rye is not as rich and savory as Kentucky's lower-aged distilled ryes.
Aroma
Initially, the nose of WhistlePig 10-Year is dominated by very mild ethanol. Also clearly discernible is a minty and very soft rye smell intermingles with honey. Unfortunately, the aroma is not as strong as I would want. It's thin, and although the peppermint fragrance is typical of ryes, this mint does not smell quite like the ryes I'm familiar with.
Palate
The palate was initially a little salty with very mild caramel and vanilla. There is little viscosity to the WhistlePig 10-Year. It simply tastes thin. However, at 100 proof, it is very smooth, smoother than its proof level. The more you drink it, the more it transitions from mint to floral and mildly fruity mint. There is a very gentle butter flavor hiding below the rye mint.
WhistlePig 10-Year Rye is an easy drinker and is an excellent introduction to ryes for newcomers since it doesn't have the typical bite associated with ryes.
Finish
While the finish is relatively mild and short, the mint maintains itself from the nose to the finish.