While some of the WhistlePig team might enjoy sniffing around some curious plants and roots, the reality is that Vermont’s trees produce some of the finest maple syrup around. Although that sugary, golden liquid can make anyone swoon, a new version of the brand’s infamous syrup has people feeling a little more mischievous. Ready to swirl a spoonful of Troopers Edition Sticky Icky Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup into a luscious libation?
Recently, WhistlePig booted the Troopers from the Sugar Shack and put it up for sale. While the new owner might not have taken possession of the keys yet, the Super Troopers never turn down an opportunity to enjoy a drizzle of that sweetness.
Since WhistlePig is always willing to push the envelope with its offerings, it is selling a special bundle that brings some extra buzz Maple Old Fashioned. Featuring a special Troopers Edition Sticky Icky Maple Syrup, this syrup has a little extra flavor. Specifically, it features “natural cannabis flavors and Myrecene cannabis terpene extracts.” The brand clarifies that the syrup “has zero THC, zero psychoactive effects.”
WhistlePig has long celebrated its connection to maple syrup, another locally crafted food item. Their maple syrup spends time in the WhiskeyPig Whiskey barrels. As the barrels infuse another layer of sweetness from the oak as well as imparting some whiskey flavors, the syrup becomes more robust.
While there will always be a place for a drizzle on various foods or even used in a recipe, the specialty Sticky Icky Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup needs to celebrate that underlying earthiness from the extracts. For cocktails, the WhistlePig Rye is the perfect pairing because of its spice notes.
For example, WhistlePig’s PiggyBack 100% Rye Whiskey with the terpene-infused maple syrup makes for a lovely Old Fashioned. The sweetness with a slightly pungent note combined with the Rye Whiskey makes for a robust cocktail. The complexity of the cocktail makes people take notice and reinvigorates the conversation about what a libation can be.
Additionally, drinkers who want more complexity should consider adding a smoked element to the cocktail. From a cocktail box to a simple topper, that woody smoke, even a fruity wood smoke, would make that cocktail even more enjoyable.
Lastly, since this cocktail has a little bit of everything, the garnish needs to take the drink to the next level. Instead of a simple waffle, or even stroopwafel, make a candied bacon waffle stack. For example, a piece of bacon or pork bellied candied with the WhistlePig Sticky Icky Maple Syrup served with a mini waffle keeps any potential munchies at bay.
Anyone who would like to shake up their own creation can purchase the Troopers Edition Sticky Icky Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup in a Maple Old Fashioned Bundle – Troopers Edition Sticky Icky for $74.99. More information can be found on the WhistlePig website.