Wahoo – “The Blender’s Opus”

Wahoo No. 3:
“The Blender’s Opus”

A BLEND OF AMERICAN AND IRISH WHISKEYS - KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY & SINGLE GRAIN IRISH WHISKEY FINISHED IN EX-MADEIRA CASKS

Beyond the Single Barrel.
For Wahoo No. 3, our exclusive collaboration with the University of Virginia, we stepped away from the singular barrels of our past releases to explore the frontiers of transatlantic blending. We call it "The Blender's Opus": a quiet exercise in patience designed to capture the precise harmony of cross-category blending and deliberate double-wood maturation.

The Search for Harmony.
We began with 5- and 7-year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskeys (95% Rye, 5% Malted Rye), marrying their deep spice and vibrant fruit notes with the layered sweetness of a Madeira-finished Single Grain Irish Whiskey. In November 2024, this blend was laid down again into a curated mix of High n' Wicked Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Rye Whiskey casks to foster unique maturation paths.

We then waited - until the whiskey told us it was ready. The result is uncommon and approachable—drinking with the ease of an Irish whiskey while unfolding with the rich, resonant complexity of American rye. To preserve its character and distinct mouthfeel, it is bottled without chill-filtration at 47% ABV (94 Proof).

Production & Where to Find
This meticulous process culminated in a micro-blend of just three barrels, multiplying the complexity of each individual cask to yield exactly 606 bottles. Wahoo No. 3 is available exclusively through Boar’s Head Resort and Virginia Guesthouse at the University of Virginia, where guests can experience it in curated pours or cocktails. A small allocation has been set aside for direct purchase, and like the sold-out releases before it, this specific blend is a fleeting moment in glass—once it is gone, it will never be recreated.

UVA “WAHOO”

Wahoo No. 1: 221 Bottles - SINGLE BARREL SELECT; 6 YEAR KY STRAIGHT BOURBON. Released March 2026.

Wahoo No. 2: 193 Bottles - SINGLE BARREL SELECT; 7 YEAR KY STRAIGHT BOURBON. Released June 2026.

Wahoo No. 3: 606 Bottles - “THE BLENDER’S OPUS”; A BLEND OF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE AND SINGLE GRAIN IRISH WHISKEY. Released September 2026.

  • 7-Year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: (95% Rye, 5% Malted Rye mash bill)

    5-Year Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: (95% Rye, 5% Malted Rye mash bill)

    Single Grain Irish Whiskey: Finished in ex-Madeira casks to introduce layered sweetness, delicate grain texture, and soft, approachable elegance.

  • Secondary / Tertiary Maturation Vessels (Re-casked Nov. 2024): High n' Wicked Ex-Bourbon Casks and High n' Wicked Ex-Rye Casks

  • Kentucky, USA & County Cork, Ireland

  • 47% ABV (94 Proof)

  • 3 Distinct Barrels Selected for their complexity and unique characteristics: 2 Barrels that previously held High n’ Wicked KY Straight Rye Whiskey, and 1 Barrel that previously held High n’ Wicked KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

    Final blend was held for 3 weeks, and slow proofed to allow integration of water and individual character.

  • Subtle honey, apple, and tobacco notes evolve into brown butter and caramel - with a hint of dried figs and cocoa; dark chocolate truffles and a touch of blackberry crumble.

  • An assertive entry that explodes with flavor on the palate - caramelized apples and pears give way to rich cocoa and dark chocolate notes. All bolstered with warm baking spice notes - cinnamon, clove, and a hint of black pepper. Finishes clean, and opens up beautifully over an ice cube or in an Old Fashioned.

American and Irish Whiskey

A BLEND OF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY & SINGLE GRAIN IRISH WHISKEY FINISHED IN EX-MADEIRA CASKS

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