Review: WhistlePig CampStock Wheat Whiskey
Review: WhistlePig CampStock Wheat Whiskey
With rye, bourbon, and malt whiskey under its belt, what’s left for WhistlePig to explore? Well, wheat whiskey of course. Enter CampStock, a limited edition offering that’s actually a blend of two whiskeys — 85% wheat whiskey and 15% rye — which still merits a “wheat whiskey” designation. The whiskey is a collaboration of sorts with Solo Stove, a portable smokeless camp stove which is being bundled with this whiskey as part of a unique promotion. The final blend is finished in “an innovative Solo Stove Bonfire toasted barrel” wherein WhistlePig barrels are broken down to create custom firewood which was used to smokelessly toast the finishing barrels. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of info about the underlying whiskeys beyond that.
Gimmick? Yes. It’s WhistlePig. It’s gimmicks from here to the horizon, folks. They don’t always pan out, but more often than not they’re winners. Let’s see how this one fares.
WhistlePig CampStock Wheat Whiskey Review
The sweet nose evokes classic wheat whiskey aromatics, nutty and buttery, but there’s some spicy rye sharpness underneath. Toasty oak makes an impact, too, amplifying the spice character and layering in some sharper edges. More bourbon-like as it opens up in the glass, notes of vanilla and torched caramel provide a familiar backbone to lean against.
The palate is again heavy with nutty elements, backed up with notes of torched orange peel, vanilla, and a lighter caramel character. Butterscotch builds as the finish approaches, and while the Solo Stove folks openly encourage s’mores-making, an evocation of toasted marshmallow doesn’t feel like something I’m imagining based on suggestion. More graham cracker than chocolate bar on the finish, however.
It’s not a complicated whiskey, but I never found a sour moment to complain about. It’s charming and easy-drinking… and something that any bourbon fan will easily gravitate to. If wheat whiskey’s never been your jam, well, see what adding 15% rye to the mix can do for you.
Note that the whiskey is sold separately for $75 or in a bundle with a Solo Stove Mesa XL, a small box of WhistlePig’s own firewood, and two etched glasses for $200. I haven’t broken out the stove yet, but one of these days I know there will be a marshmallow with my name on it.
86 proof.
A- / $75 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
WhistlePig CampStock Wheat Whiskey
USD75
I like your websites reviews but not your rating system. Why is everything always and 8 or a 9. Everything can’t be that good and this one certainly is not while it is fine it is not a 9 level for me. I think you all should revisit your rating system to make your reviews more creditable and your audience more loyal. Not at all trying to be rude but the criticism is warranted. Love what you do otherwise.
If you want our very worst reviews, here ya go: https://www.drinkhacker.com/category/reviews/rated-df/