WhistlePig 'The Beholden' Single Malt Whiskey 21yr Old

Distiller's Note:

America is no longer beholden to dusty decanters & tartan tradition.

Behold a whiskey of singular repute, sired from stills of storied past - absolved of obsolescence and conscripted to the quest for a new era of Single Malt. An advent of age unprecedented, indebted to its provenance, yet beholden only to the farthest bounds of creation.

The Beholden is the first-ever super-aged North American Single Malt, matured more than twice as long as any other on the continent. Aged for 21 long years in American Oak to add a rich maple and dried fruit to a bready, nutty base. Finished in WhistlePig Rye barrels bringing savory spice and subtle smoky notes, a game-changer for progressive palates.

Nose: Sweet fruit notes that leads into scents of cinnamon.

Palate: Golden raisin, graham cracker and black cherry.

Finish: Solid oak with maple and praline, and a hint of smoke on finish.

Reviews:

Whisky Advocate: The aroma portends chewy sweetness with caramel, vanilla, coconut macaroons, and candied citrus, with secondary oak char, tobacco, leather, and chocolate mint. It’s nicely layered and finely balanced, with the palate delivering the same complexity, with ample sweetness. Quite drinkable, but water really amplifies the flavors, unleashing maple syrup and candied walnuts before the drying finish. SCORE: 90

The Whiskey Wash: The Beholden single malt whiskey is a gem of a dram that stands out from the ever-growing American Whiskey category. This exceptional release demands to be savored, from its beautiful old gold appearance, to an invitingly warm and sweet nose, a silky mouthfeel that glides across the tongue, and an overall rich and approachable flavor profile. This limited luxury release comes with a hefty price tag, so take your time, enjoy every sip, and relish in the pleasure of indulging in something that sat in old bourbon oak barrels for 21 long years. And who knows, you might even impress your friends with a shared sip of this exclusive whiskey. SCORE: 9/10