Vermont’s WhistlePig Distillery, long celebrated for its pioneering role in the American rye movement, has raised the bar for U.S. single malts with the release of its oldest whiskey to date: the 30-year-old WhistlePig Single Malt, whimsically named The BigShǝBàng. This latest expression not only marks a milestone for the brand but also underscores the growing legitimacy and ambition of American single malt whiskey, officially recognized as a category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in December 2024.
A Bold Step in American Single Malts
Following the brand’s initial foray into single malts in 2023 with The Béhôlden 21-year-old, and last year’s audaciously named 25-year-old The Badönkådonk, WhistlePig is proving that American distillers can compete with the world’s most storied single malt traditions. The BigShǝBàng, aged for three decades, continues that narrative with an ambitious finish in Vin Santo barrels, imbuing the whiskey with notes of toasted cedar, clove, and honeyed bread. Bottled at 90.4 proof, the release promises a “flavor supernova,” according to WhistlePig head blender Meghan Ireland.
“We’ve been hunting down Vin Santo barrels for a few years now, and the stars finally aligned with a precious few to finish this inaugural release,” Ireland said. “As with many of our most elusive casks, they’ve proved to be a catalyst for complexity that’s well worth the quest.”
Sourcing and Craftsmanship
Though WhistlePig was founded in 2008, the distillery sourced the whiskey for The BigShǝBàng from Canada, specifically Nova Scotia’s Glenora Distillery. The whiskey completed its final stage of maturation at WhistlePig in 2024, where it was carefully finished and prepared for this landmark release. The blend of heritage, patience, and international collaboration exemplifies the distillery’s commitment to crafting singular expressions that defy expectations.
A Highly Limited Release
The release is extraordinarily limited, with fewer than four barrels available, and will retail for $4,999 per bottle. Bottles will be available at The WhistlePig Vault in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as select accounts nationwide this fall. With its scarcity and unprecedented age, The BigShǝBàng is poised to become one of the most coveted American single malts of the year.
In addition to this record-setting 30-year-old, WhistlePig will continue to offer its 21-year-old The Béhôlden and 25-year-old The Badönkådonk, maintaining its annual tradition of exclusive, limited releases. The brand has not yet confirmed whether The BigShǝBàng will see future production, making this initial rollout a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Pushing Boundaries in Flavor and Aging
As American single malt whiskey gains recognition on the global stage, WhistlePig’s 30-year-old The BigShǝBàng serves as a bold statement: U.S. distillers are not only capable of crafting world-class expressions, but they are also willing to push the boundaries of age, finish, and imagination. For those seeking a rare dram that fuses decades of careful maturation with innovative finishing, The BigShǝBàng represents both history and audacity in a single bottle.
For more information, head over to the distillery’s official website.
