389: Can WhistlePig Convert Bourbon Country to Rye? Inside "The Vault" Louisville
About this episode
The episode explores WhistlePig's efforts to introduce rye whiskey in Bourbon Country through their new location, The Vault, featuring interviews with key personnel.
What happens when Vermont’s most rebellious rye whiskey brand sets up a permanent outpost directly in the heart of Bourbon Country? In this episode of Bourbon Lens , we visit The Vault by WhistlePig in Louisville, KY. We sit down with Lead Research Distiller Mitch Mahar and GM Kevin Didio to explore how they are challenging Kentucky’s bourbon dominance with bold rye innovation. Mitch shares the legacy of Dave Pickerell and breaks down their wildest blending experiments, including The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame —aged rye finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels with a kick of native chili peppers. Then, Kevin takes us inside their experiential vault tasting room to discuss their viral signature cocktail, The Flying Pig , which is served to guests via automated pneumatic tubes overhead! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Live from Louisville: WhistlePig’s The Vault Experience 00:26 - Mitch Mahar on rye whiskey diversity and innovation 01:09 - The legacy of Dave Pickerell & reviving pre-prohibition rye 03:50 - Decoding The Boss Hog XII: Fermented pulque & chili peppers 06:12 - Invading Kentucky: How bourbon drinkers respond to premium rye 15:14 - Louisville Tourism &…
More episodes of Bourbon Lens
- 392: How Chip Tate Blends Bourbon | Gambit No. 6 & Ampersand
- 391: Redwood Empire's Master Blender Lauren Patz on Crafting Whiskey That Tells a Story
- Ep: 390 Angel’s Envy: Master Distiller Owen Martin on Secondary Maturation & More
- Special Episode: United States of Bourbon with Lost Lantern
- Does Red Corn Make Woodford Reserve Better?
- 388: How Woodford Reserve Masters Tradition & Innovation with Elizabeth McCall
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Bourbon Lens podcast page.