Whiskey Review: WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye

Introduction

In this episode, we’re reviewing WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye—a six-year, 100% rye whiskey that sits at the entry-level end of WhistlePig’s otherwise high-end portfolio. Known for its masterful blending of sourced whiskies—especially from Canada—WhistlePig has long been a staple in the rye whiskey world. But with PiggyBack, they’re offering something more accessible, while still showcasing their signature rye-forward style.

Bottled at 96.56 proof, PiggyBack is crafted from a 100% rye mash bill, giving it a sharp, spicy edge right from the nose. Let’s dive into how this whiskey holds up across the board.

This review is taken from our episode "Babe / WhistlePig Piggyback Rye." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Brad: I’m getting cinnamon and some baking spices—maybe even allspice. It’s a really interesting nose. I’m enjoying it.
Score: 8/10

Bob: I’m picking up bright, crisp tart apple—like a Granny Smith—along with nutmeg and baking spices. It smells like an apple pie, but on the lighter side. Not dark or sugary, more fresh and spicy. It does smell a bit thin, which might be due to the lower proof.
Score: 7.5/10

Taste

Brad: On the palate, I get some oak, a touch of vanilla sweetness at the front, and a wave of baking spice through the middle. There’s rye on the back of the tongue, but it’s well-integrated. Ryes that are aged beyond two years—like this six-year—lose that sharp young taste and bring out more balanced flavors. I really like it.
Score: 8/10

Bob: It leans rye-forward with a thin mouthfeel—not very sweet. Up front, I tasted something like salted butter, which was great. But the rest of the palate lacked complexity. I personally prefer when rye is blended with a little barley or corn to round it out. This feels one-dimensional to me.
Score: 7/10

Finish

Brad: It’s a medium-length finish—just the right amount of Kentucky hug. The flavor doesn’t evolve much, but it stays enjoyable. Straightforward and spicy.
Score: 7/10

Bob: Nothing new develops, but it lingers nicely. Not overly drying or alcohol-heavy. It’s a pleasant finish that matches the palate well.
Score: 8/10

Balance

Brad: One of the most balanced whiskeys we’ve had this season. It flows smoothly from nose to taste to finish. Very cohesive.
Score: 9/10

Bob: It’s solidly balanced, but the nose hinted at flavors that didn’t quite appear on the palate. The intensity also ramps up step-by-step, which makes it feel slightly uneven. Still good, though.
Score: 7.5/10

Value

Brad: At $49.99 in Ohio, it seems a bit high-end for entry-level rye. But it’s aged six years and delivers high quality. It’s not cheap, but I think the price is fair.
Score: 7/10

Bob: It feels overpriced. I’ve had six-year ryes that cost much less and tasted better—like Resilient Rye or Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond. I’d be more comfortable at $39.99. At $50, it’s too steep for what you get.
Score: 5/10

Final Scores

Bob’s Final Score: 35/50
Brad’s Final Score: 39/50
Average Score: 37/50

Conclusion

With an average score of 37/50, WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye falls into the territory where we recommend trying a pour at a bar before committing to a full bottle. It’s a solid, straightforward expression of a 100% rye whiskey—spicy, bright, and well-crafted. Fans of rye will find a lot to like here, but casual drinkers may hesitate at the $50 price tag. Still, it’s a good showcase of what WhistlePig does well: spice, balance, and classic rye character.