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Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
WhistlePig Whiskey Welcomes New CEO Charles Gibb
SHOREHAM, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 11, 2025-- WhistlePig Whiskey, the #1 leader in independent craft whiskey, today welcomes Charles Gibb, a dynamic leader in the spirits industry, as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks the next stage of evolution for the WhistlePig brand and its highly awarded super premium whiskey portfolio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Charles brings a wide breadth of global expertise to WhistlePig, particularly through the introduction of spirits and cocktail mixers to new audiences across various geographies. He launched Fever-Tree's North American arm, driving the mixer brand to the top of the ginger beer and tonic water charts while expanding their business to tackle multiple drinking occasions. Previously at Belvedere Vodka, Gibb spearheaded their global expansion efforts – establishing their Project RED and James Bond partnerships, and elevating the brand's presence worldwide. His tenure at Bacardi, Diageo and Moët Hennessy further underscores a career defined by strategic brand-building, innovation, and international market development. 'As a Scot, I could not be more excited to be joining this exceptional American whiskey brand. I thrive in an innovative, dynamic and entrepreneurial environment,' said Gibb. 'I've been involved with start-ups, initiated new markets and transformed developed markets by breaking apart paradigms to accelerate growth. That's exactly what WhistlePig does with whiskey. We have the perfect mix to shake up the market. Or stir up, if you prefer.' WhistlePig has never been limited by the way things are done. From transforming an abandoned Vermont dairy barn into a pioneering grain-to-glass distillery to crafting category-defining releases, the brand has taken American whiskey to a new level of quality and innovation. Over the past two years, WhistlePig broke new ground by expanding beyond its signature Ryes into aged Bourbon and super-aged Single Malt. Today, WhistlePig is the market leader in ultra-premium Rye and fastest-growing ultra-premium Bourbon in the US. Gibb joins the team at an inflection point: building on WhistlePig's market disruption, driving brand growth, and championing bold innovation to offer consumers the world's best whiskey. 'Post an extensive search process, where we had an opportunity to consider various exceptional candidates, we are excited to welcome Charles to the WhistlePig team as we tackle the next phases of growth,' said Wilco Faessen, Co-Founder and Chairman of WhistlePig Whiskey. 'We also want to express our gratitude to Marty Birkel for taking the reins as CEO on an interim basis to enable a thorough search, and the upcoming transition.' To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, X and Instagram. About WhistlePig Whiskey Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey makers driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of whiskey, starting with Rye. Through rebellious pursuit of experimenting and breaking boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand, awarded Best Rye Whiskey (SFWSC 2021). WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey both on and for the planet, starting with its solar-powered Farm and distillery, and local grain-to-glass operation. For more information, head to View source version on [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA VERMONT INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOOD/BEVERAGE LUXURY WINE & SPIRITS RETAIL SPECIALTY SOURCE: WhistlePig Whiskey Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/11/2025 10:11 AM/DISC: 06/11/2025 10:10 AM
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Rye Whiskey, According To The American Distilling Institute
Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist. Photo, courtesy Painted Stave The American Distilling Institute's International Spirits Competition is an annual judging of spirits sponsored by the ADI. This prestigious event recognizes excellence in craft spirits and is open to U.S. and international distilleries. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the "Best of Class" and "Best of Category." American Rye Whiskey winners from the recently completed 2025 competition. Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist. The distillery, in Smyrna, Delaware, is known for its small-batch spirits. Their Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey is based on a mash bill of 70% Rye, 25% Corn, and 5% Malted Barley and is aged for a minimum of four years. On the nose, the rye whiskey is herbal and fruity, featuring spearmint, anise, licorice, red fruits, caramel, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate exhibits a candied, bubble gum-like sweetness, dried spearmint, prunes, and cinnamon. The finish is long, with lingering spearmint, cinnamon, and bubble gum notes. Tumblin Dice was the Best Single Barrel Whiskey and a Double Gold medalist. The whiskey is bottled by Proof and Wood Ventures. It's sourced from MGP in Indiana. Known for their barrel-proof offerings, Tumblin Dice whiskeys are selected, aged, and bottled to highlight rye's bold aroma and flavor characteristics. The ABV varies between 110 proof and 120 proof, depending on the specific bottling. The rye whiskeys are based on MGP's high rye mash bill of 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley. The maturation varies, with some expressions aged up to eight years. The whiskey is sweet and spicy on the nose, featuring rye spice, brown sugar, vanilla-laced crème brûlée, earthy, slightly herbal, with hints of stone fruit and white pepper aromas. It's rich and robust on the palate with classic rye characteristics and a balance of sweetness and spice. It exhibits vanilla and caramel notes, seasoned wood, cinnamon, clove, and a slight herbal touch. The finish is long and semi-sweet with lingering caramel, pepper, and seasoned wood notes. Glass of rye whiskey on background of rye grain getty Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko., in Southern Pines, North Carolina, was founded by retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Brad Halling. The distillery honors military service through its spirits, with the Sergeant's Valor series paying tribute to extraordinary acts of service. This expression is a bottling based on two different rye whiskeys. The source of the whiskeys, the associated mash bills, and the age statement are not disclosed. The nose features toasted oak, malted cocoa, vanilla, and herbal notes. The palate features bold rye flavors exhibiting rye spices of cinnamon and clove, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, earthy white pepper, and herbal flavors. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering rye spice notes. Redwood Empire Whiskey emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship across its craft whiskey range. The Van Duzen Straight Rye is part of their Small Lot Series, named after the Van Duzen River, and showcases their commitment to unique mash bills and grain-to-glass production. The rye is based on a mash bill of 67% Rye, 31% Malted Barley, and 2% Wheat. The age at bottling is not specified. The nose is aromatic and complex, featuring vanilla/lemon cake, red berry jam, raspberry cobbler, milk chocolate, biscuit, and spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The palate is rich and flavorful, exhibiting milk chocolate, custard cream, espresso coffee, tropical fruits, especially grilled pineapple and baked banana, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium length, smooth, and fruity with lingering lemon cake and baked banana notes. The American Distilling Institute (ADI) is a leading trade organization for craft and independent distillers in the United States. Founded in 2003, ADI supports the growth and success of small-scale distillers through education, advocacy, networking, and promotion of best practices in the industry. ADI's annual spirits competition often highlights up-and-coming brands, many of which have yet to establish national distribution. For the whiskey connoisseur, the competition offers an excellent insight into what will likely be tomorrow's American whiskey stars.
