WhistlePig celebrates fast and slow with new Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber release

While F1 drivers push the speed limits on the track, distillers understand that allowing liquor to age is a slow process. That contrast of fast and slow is celebrated in the new WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel. For the whiskey drinkers who appreciate a good dichotomy, the special release is a must have for their collection.

Last year, WhistlePig launched its first F1 collaboration with Alfa Romeo. Those wind tunnel influenced barrels had a dynamic flavor that had people racing for the first pour. Even though it was targeted for racing lovers, whiskey drinkers happily thirsted for the oolong tea influenced release. The subtly in that offering was not overpowered by the speed-influenced collaboration.

With the new WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel, the concept focuses on the contrasts. As the team’s official team whiskey, it is more than just a title. There is actual money on the line for this partnership. By reinvesting profits into this collaboration, everyone has a vested interest in the release succeeding.

Even though everyone wants to wave the checked flag for a win, the realty is the whiskey's flavor is the true test. No amount of flashiness, impressive strategy, or last minute surges can ensure that whiskey drinkers open another bottle.

Speaking to this release, Valtteri Bottas said, “I’m excited to once again join G-forces with WhistlePig as our team’s official whiskey partner. While an unusual blend, the PiggyBack Rye and OΛTH Gin make a strong team – a thrilling Ryed from lights out to the checkered flag. Drink it slow while I drive fast, and enjoy the ryed.”

Check out this “Bo Talk.”

The WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel continues the WhistlePig commitment to take different approaches to its distilling approach. With this offering, it uses gin barrels in the finishing process. The brand might call it “rye befriends gin” but it is more than just a simple handshake.

While wine barrels, sherry barrels, and other items have been used, the gin barrels add a botanical note that cannot be missed. Using Valtteri Bottas’ OΛTH Gin barrels, that liquor’s flavors are imparted into the spicy rye. For those unfamiliar with OΛTH Gin, the Finnish liquor has notes of apple, pine, and even a little oat.

With this WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye, the gin has a crispness from the apple. While there is always a spice note from the rye, this liquor feels more rounded. Add to that the piney quality, it almost feels like a walk in the woods on a crisp fall day. The freshness of the trees with a touch of brightness yet an underlying warmth makes this special release quite inviting.

Since this release is all about contrasting the fast and slow moments, there are several ways to enjoy this WhistlePig release. While the rye is always lovely poured simply over a single cube, this version is delightful in a classic cocktail.

For example, the brand suggests a WhistlePig Highball. Here’s how to make it.

WhistlePig Highball Formula

Ingredients

1 ½ oz WhistlePig Piggyback Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel

¼ oz WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

3 Dashes Maple Bitters

Club Soda

Slice of green apple for Garnish

Method:

Add PiggyBack, Maple Syrup, Bitters & ice to a shaker.

Shake and chill.

Strain into an ice-filled High Ball glass.

Top with club soda.

Garnish with a slice of green apple.

While this cocktail is well balanced for that fast and slow moment, a few swaps can make it quite interesting. For example, using a ginger ale or ginger beer adds a spice note and warmth to the cocktail.

Also, the WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is always a great addition to any cocktail. This ingredient brings the cocktail back to the brand’s roots and celebrates that the location influences everything it does.

Even though time seems to be continually racing to the finish line, WhistlePig Piggyback Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel invites people to take a moment to pause. After waving that checkered flag, take a moment to savor the celebration. Slow moments can be just as exciting as fast ones.

The WhistlePig Piggyback Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel has a 100.77 proof. A bottle has a suggested retail price of $59.99.