Summer beverage trends have people thinking that hard seltzers, spritzes, and other colorful options are the only liquids in the glass. This year, it is time to toast what really matters to people, a great taste that comes from craft and quality. This summer, unearth a bottle of WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey and send those other beverages off to their final resting place.
As whiskey drinkers know, WhistlePig always infuses a creative story into each release. From those curious troopers who opened their Sugar Shack to new friends to rock legends touting the deliciousness of a new cocktail, the infusion of fun is as vital to the brand as its blending method.
Over the past couple of years, the whiskey brand’s summer releases have balanced nostalgia and innovation. From allowing the sun to enhance the aging process to capturing the memorable nights around a firepit, WhistlePig appreciates that how its spirit is drunk is just as important as how it is made.
This summer, the distiller wants people to think beyond the traditional rickhouse and appreciates that a new life can rise from the dirt. Just like some pigs can unearth the most delicious truffles, Whistlepig is ready to give new life to this new release.
The WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey was aged in “custom casket-shaped foeders.” While this concept makes for a curious image, it is more than just shock value. It is an experiment to see how the whiskey would react to that “final resting place.”
As many spirit drinkers appreciate, where, how, and why a liquor is aged will impact the flavor. Meghan Ireland, Head Blender at WhistlePig said "the custom casket-shaped foeders add character in a subtle way that lets the nuance of the wheat whiskey shine.”
While this wheat whiskey has some characteristics similar to other well-respected WhistlePig releases, there is a notable sweetness to the “GraveStock.” The butterscotch notes hit a touch of nostalgia. It is not necessarily the candy in grandma’s purse, but there is that sense of familiar, even comforting.
With the aroma, there is a hint of floral, more like honeysuckle. Again, it is another nod to sweetness. Although not overpowering, that enticing, yet slightly elusive note, makes it easy to go back sip after sip.
While aging method imparts its own flavor, the connection to Liquid Death is just as important. That water adds another layer to the overall drinking experience.
The WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey is a collaboration between the Vermont distiller and Liquid Death. As many people know, Liquid Death is no stranger to unique campaigns. From the recent Ozzy Osborne offering to creative takes on death to plastic, getting drinkers engaged with the unique approach is as vital as the quality product in the can.
For the special release, WhistlePig collaborated with Liquid Death in two ways. First, the Liquid Death Mountain Water was used to proof the whiskey. As Greg Fass, VP of Marketing at Liquid Death explained, "proofing an already delicious WhistlePig whiskey with our premium mountain-sourced water is the type of attention to detail that should take this bottle to the next level."
Second, the pair have created several cocktails featuring the brand’s various beverages. As everyone expects, these are not the stiff libations that are drunk in darkened libraries or stuffy old-school bars.
While the names might have people wondering if the libations should be enjoyed in the glow of a full moon or drunk in the shadows of a gravestone, the reality is that the cocktails are less lethal than they seam.
For example, the “Classic DeathBall” is just the WhistlePig and Liquid Death. While it is more enjoyable with a little citrus or even a sprig of mint, that garnish does not have to be on its last legs. If a sweeter version is preferred, consider using one of the Liquid Death teas.
Since WhistlePig always supports is swine friends, the Pork Belly Up DeathBall is a great choice. Featuring Liquid Death’s Severed Lime sparkling water, it is bright with just the right amount of robust whiskey. Personally, I prefer adding a little swicy bacon as a garnish. A hot honey glazed bacon served with the cocktail raises the spirits from their resting place.
The WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey in collaboration with Liquid Death Mountain Water is 86 proof. The limited-edition bottle has a suggested price of $74.99. It can be purchased on the distiller’s website and other select retailers beginning on June 24.
More from FoodSided: