For the past two years, Vermont distillery WhistlePig has taken its name quite literally and released a limited-edition pig decanter filled with rye whiskey that pours straight from the rear of the porcine bottle. This year, the brand stepped it up and changed the color of the decanter to gold and also created an online lottery where lucky fans can win some cash prizes.
If you’re unfamiliar with WhistlePig, the distillery has led the way in the premium rye category for nearly two decades, sourcing its whiskey from MGP in Indiana and Alberta Distillers in Calgary, Canada. In addition to a few age-statement releases that are finished in different types of barrels, WhistlePig has also been distilling its own bourbon and rye at its Vermont farm and releasing it under its FarmStock label. Plus, the brand has been getting into some pretty weird experiments in collaboration with Formula 1, releasing some old age-statement single malts, and dropping the always-unique and often-delicious (and expensive) Boss Hog annual release.
The whiskey in the golden pig decanter is the same rye that is found in the core expression, aged for 10 years but at a higher 110 proof compared to the 100 proof of the Small Batch. To coincide with this release, WhistlePig launched a pop-up called Gold ‘n’ Grocer earlier this month, where consumers could purchase WhistlePig products and enter a lottery to win cash prizes. If you missed out on that, you can still log onto the distillery’s “Whole Lotto Pig” website for a chance to win up to $10,000 until January 5.
“WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Gold Limited Edition is more than just a celebration of rye whiskey—it’s a toast to our fans and the holiday spirit,” Alex Short, the brand’s VP of marketing, said in a statement. “With its bold, gold makeover and our unique Gold ‘n’ Grocer experience, a New York corner store with a Vermont Twist, we’re blending tradition with a touch of irreverent fun. Whether you’re gifting a golden PiggyBank or enjoying a Gold Fashioned cocktail, this season is all about raising the bar on holiday cheer.”
WhistlePig’s 2024 Gold Limited Edition PiggyBank Rye is available now to purchase from the distillery’s website (SRP $300), and you can find the rest of the portfolio for sale there or online at ReserveBar.
