Vermont-based WhistePig has rolled out The Badönkådonk, a 25 year old single malt sourced from Canada and billed as one of the oldest single malts ever made in North America. Matured in new American oak for 25 years, the whisky was moved to Vermont in 2020 to complete its aging and was finished in cabernet sauvignon barrels from the Silver Oak Cellars in California’s Alexander Valley. Bottled at 45.5% ABV and available in limited quantities, The Badönkådonk is retailing at $2,000.
While the Canadian distillery where this single malt was made isn't specifically revealed, it can be safely said that the source is Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, which was founded in 1990. Glenora is Canada's oldest single malt maker, situated at the far northeastern end of Nova Scotia. The picturesque Glenora has a setting and a design that very much resembles a distillery in Scotland, and it also has an inn on the distillery grounds, making it well worth a visit.
WhistlePig was launched in 2008, and is renowned for its ultra-aged whiskies, specifically in rye, the ryes being sourced from Alberta Distillery in Canada and MGP in Indiana. WhistlePig also blends its own make into its lesser-aged expressions. This release follows last year's rollout of The Béhôlden, a 21 year old single malt also sourced from Glenora and finished in WhistlePig rye barrels. The Badönkådonk will be released annually alongside The Béhôlden, whose second annual release is now available at $900. Both are available at bars and retailers nationally, as well as on the WhistlePig website.
