Vermont-based distillery WhistlePig has unveiled The Badönkådonk, a 25-year-old North American Single Malt
Over the last few years, the whiskey world in the good ole’ USA has turned its nose slightly up at longtime single malt leaders Scotland, and begun producing its own single malt, under the very on the nose name, American Single Malt. Last year, American rye whiskey aficionado WhistlePig put one foot into the puddle with the launch of its own “North” American Single Malt, The Beholden, a 21-year-old whiskey that actually hails from Canada. Now, the cheeky Vermonters are rolling out an even older North American Single Malt, dubbed The Badönkådonk.
The 25-year-old WhistlePig The Badönkådonk was also sourced from Canada, and probably from Glenora in Cape Breton although that is unconfirmed. We do know, however, it matured in new American oak for 25 years, before moving to the Green Mountain State in 2020 where it was further aged in Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.
“Our Single Malts stand apart not only for age, but also maturation in the world’s best barrels,” says Meghan Ireland, Head Blender at WhistlePig. “After finishing The Béhôlden in our own well aged Rye Barrels (with a wink), we set our sights on the best of California wine country. Known for their superstar Cabernets aged exclusively in American Oak barrels, Silver Oak is the perfect partner to push boundaries with, showing what’s possible on our side of the pond.”
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of stone fruits like fig and plum, along with creme brûlée and light butterscotch. The palate features cedar wood, with doughy and wild honey notes. The finish finds toasted almonds and tanned leather.
Bottled at 45.5% ABV and available in limited quantities, The Badönkådonk retails for $2,000. Meanwhile, a second edition of The Béhôlden is being released with a suggested retail price of $900.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.