While Whistlepig is renowned for their rye whiskeys, this Piggyback bourbon flips the script with a high-corn mash bill that delivers a sweeter, more approachable profile. The corn-forward recipe creates rich caramel and vanilla notes, while still maintaining a cheeky touch of rye for complexity. This makes it an excellent bridge spirit for rye lovers wanting to explore bourbon territory, or bourbon drinkers curious about Whistlepig's craftsmanship.

The 100 proof bottling strength (50% ABV) preserves the whiskey's full flavour intensity and provides versatility for both neat sipping and cocktail mixing. Higher proof spirits maintain their character when diluted with ice or mixers, making this bourbon particularly excellent in citrus-forward cocktails where lower-proof spirits might get lost. The robust strength also allows the caramel and oak flavours to shine through more prominently on the palate.

Char #3 refers to a medium level of barrel charring, where the inside of new American oak barrels is burned for about 35 seconds. This creates a layer of charcoal that acts as a natural filter while imparting distinctive flavours during the six-year maturation. The char level contributes to the bourbon's oaky character and helps develop those classic vanilla and caramel notes, while allowing the wood's natural sugars to caramelise and integrate into the spirit.

This bourbon's 100 proof strength and sweet character make it incredibly versatile - enjoy it neat to appreciate the full complexity of caramel, vanilla, and oak flavours. For cocktails, it particularly excels in citrus-based drinks like whiskey sours or bourbon smashes, where its higher proof maintains flavour integrity against acidic mixers. A splash of water or single ice cube can help open up the aromatics if you find the proof too intense initially.

The Double Gold from the New York Wine & Spirits Competition and Silver Medal from the International Spirits Challenge demonstrate this bourbon's exceptional quality among industry professionals. These awards are particularly significant because they represent blind tastings against hundreds of other spirits, indicating that Piggyback's flavour profile and craftsmanship stand out in a crowded bourbon market. The consistent high scoring (90 points) suggests reliable quality and broad appeal across different palate preferences.