Whistlepig, the renowned whiskey maker, has unveiled its latest PiggyBack Legends Series, but this time with a unique twist. In a departure from the norm, the beverage underwent a series of rigorous tests typically reserved for the fastest race cars and their drivers. Teaming up with the Alfa Romeo Formula One team, Whistlepig put their barrels to the ultimate test in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland.

To infuse the whiskey with a true Formula One essence, some barrels were subjected to varying levels of G-forces at WhistlePig’s distillery. This accelerated the crucial interaction between the whiskey and the wood, creating a dynamic aging process like never before seen in the industry. The result? Whistlepig claims to have achieved an F1 level of precision, with the drink bottled at an impressive 96.77 proof.

The partnership with Alfa Romeo extends beyond the testing phase. Valtteri Bottas, the esteemed Finnish driver, and Zhou Guanyu, the first-ever Chinese F1 driver, lend their names and influence to this limited edition release. As a nod to Bottas, the whiskey is adorned with the number 77, honoring his car number. Bottas has consistently secured top-five finishes throughout his impressive career, and even clinched two runner-up spots in the championship standings.

Zhou, on the other hand, brings a taste of his native South China to the whiskey. The beverage is finished with lychee, a delicious fruit synonymous with the region, and oolong tea, a beloved herbal tea from South China. These unique flavor profiles, inspired by Zhou’s heritage, add an intriguing twist to the whiskey.

Adding an element of fun to the mix, Whistlepig Head Blender Meghan Ireland chimes in with a pun game inspired by the world of Formula One. Ireland exclaims, “We’re taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before!” Her play on words highlights the innovative experiments with dynamic aging that took place at the Alfa Romeo F1® Team Stake wind tunnel. These trials sparked new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The combination of this unconventional aging process and the carefully selected lychee and tea barrels creates a new and remarkable podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye enthusiasts.

This latest release marks the third bottle in the PiggyBack Legends Series, which debuted in early 2022. Previous iterations of the series celebrated the achievements of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz and country music sensations Brothers Osborne.

Whistlepig’s collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Formula One team and their talented drivers brings a thrilling and unexpected twist to the world of whiskey. By pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey making and infusing the spirit with the energy of the Formula One world, Whistlepig has created a truly remarkable experience for enthusiasts and racing fans alike. So, raise a glass of PiggyBack Rye and toast to the fusion of whiskey craftsmanship and Formula One exhilaration.