Wigle Straight Rye Whiskey

Overview
Wigle Straight Rye Whiskey revives the historic Monongahela style from Pennsylvania's rye tradition, crafted grain-to-glass with local organic grains to honor the region's pre-prohibition legacy. This straight rye offers a notably light and approachable entry into American rye, distinguishing itself through subtlety rather than bold spice.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Named after Philip Wigle, a Pennsylvania distiller pardoned by George Washington following the 1790s Whiskey Rebellion, this whiskey nods to the Northeast origins of American rye. Wigle Whiskey aims to recapture the "big, rich, spicy" Monongahela profile through traditional methods, though this expression leans lighter than historical expectations.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Faint and subtle aromas dominate, with soft herbal notes emerging gently without aggressive spice.
• Palate: Remarkably light and soft for a rye, delivering mild grain sweetness and understated rye character that eases in novices. Lacks intensity but maintains balance through its delicacy.
• Finish: Short and fleeting, fading quickly with minimal linger.

Notable details

• Production: Grain-to-glass distillation in Pennsylvania, aged in new oak barrels for a straight rye designation.
• Lineage: Ties to Pennsylvania's Monongahela rye heritage and the Whiskey Rebellion era.
• Comparison: The mildest and lightest rye available, suited for rye novices or those transitioning from Irish whiskey [#1].

"Wigle Straight Rye Whiskey is the mildest and lightest rye available, ideal for novices or Irish whiskey fans easing into American styles, though it lacks a strong impression." – The Whiskey Wash

Closing
A gentle introduction to rye tradition, best for those seeking subtlety over spice.

Sources

[1] Thewhiskeywash – "Wigle Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Wigle Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"