In collaboration with Jordan Winery and Firestone Walker Brewery, WhistlePig Whiskey has launched RoadStock Rye Whiskey.
The journey for this expression began earlier this year at WhistlePig’s 500-acre farm in Shoreham, VT, where WhistlePig commissioned an 18-wheeler “Rolling Rickhouse.”
The truck then made its way on a 6,000-mile barrel finishing trip.
“WhistlePig’s commitment to elevating great whiskey with unique finishes has been a passion since the very beginning, so when the opportunity arose to try something brand new in the category, we were all in,” says Megan Ireland, blender, WhistlePig Whiskey. “The barrels, still saturated with the distinctive aromas and flavors of their previous fills, were a game-changing match for what would become RoadStock Rye.”
Half of the RoadStock whiskey blend transferred into Bordeaux blend casks from Jordan Winery in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. The whiskey in these Bordeaux blend casks — 78% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec — made the full 6,000-mile round trip.
“In the spirit of innovation, we decided to literally drag them from Vermont to California and back, knowing that the shake, rattle and roll of a cross-country road trip would ensure an incredible finish that could not be achieved any other way,” Ireland says. “The individual wine and beer finishes are fantastic on their own, but the final finish is pure gold.”
Known for European wines, including their Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan has been family owned and operated since 1972.
WhistlePig also created a custom RoadStock Dodge Hellcat, powered by aged WhistlePig Whiskey.
WhistlePig’s partners at VP Racing Fuels made a custom fuel blend with aged WhistlePig Whiskey that was track tested at Radford Racing School in Chandler, AZ. To pilot the RoadStock Dodge Hellcat, WhistlePig engaged the auto industry personalities Chris Jacobs and Cristy Lee, to accompany the Rolling Rickhouse on the last leg of the journey.
“I’ve had some unique experiences in the automotive space over the years, but when WhistlePig called and asked me if I would like to track test and then drive their whiskey powered Hellcat alongside the Rolling Rick House to Paso Robles, I mean, who could say no to that,” says Jacobs. “What an amazing adventure.”
After weaving along the historic Route 66, the RoadStock Rolling Rick House — tailed by the RoadStock Dodge Hellcat — headed north to one of the largest craft breweries in the country, Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, CA.
At Firestone Walker, the balance of the whiskey transferred into Firestone’s Imperial Stout, Imperial Blonde Ale and Experimental Ale barrels to finish on the long ride back to Vermont.
“Firestone Walker and WhistlePig are kindred spirits when it comes to pushing the envelope of innovation, so having the opportunity to share ideas and work on a project like this is right up our alley,” says Matt Brynildson, brewmaster, Firestone Walker.
After clocking in more than 6,000 miles and a couple of weeks on the road, the RoadStock Rolling Rick House was finally back home at WhistlePig. Here, the distillery team married the whiskey finishes into RoadStock bottles, adorned with a custom rubber tire topper.
Making its debut this month at 86 proof, RoadStock Rye Whiskey retails for $72.99 per 750-ml. bottle, at select liquor stores across the country.
Giving consumers nationwide the chance to experience the offering firsthand, WhistlePig’s RoadStock Dodge Hellcat will continue making stops in key markets throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall. Consumers can experience the brand at sampling events. Further information is available on the WhistlePig social media channels and website.
RoadStock Rye Whiskey follows the recent launch of WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded Rye and Bourbon.
