Review: WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey

Based in the town of Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig Whiskey has developed a reputation for unusual collaborations—projects that can feel strange, clever, or even downright absurd. Their latest release, WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey, continues this tradition with a partnership that’s as unexpected as it is on-theme: Liquid Death.

Liquid Death is a brand known for bottling American mountain-sourced water in recycled tallboy aluminum cans, all with a grim, irreverent aesthetic. In GraveStock, their water takes on a more serious role. Instead of using purified local water sources to bring the whiskey down from cask strength, WhistlePig chose to proof it to 86 with Liquid Death—leaning fully into the dark branding while also making a deliberate choice in the spirit’s composition.

GraveStock is a high-wheat whiskey, made almost entirely of wheat with a touch of rye. It was distilled in Canada, though the exact distillery is unnamed. After spending an undisclosed amount of time aging in new charred oak barrels, the whiskey was transferred into a 380-gallon charred American oak foeder—custom-built in the shape of a casket.

A foeder (pronounced food-er) is a large wooden vessel commonly used in brewing and winemaking. Its scale and construction allow for a different aging environment than the typical 53-gallon barrel, and in this case, the coffin shape leans into the theatrical without necessarily compromising technique. The result is something more than a stunt, though the visual certainly supports the story.

WhistlePig has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of tradition, and while some past releases have veered heavily into novelty, GraveStock feels more grounded. The choice of proofing water matters—something seasoned whiskey drinkers will recognize—and the use of a foeder adds a real point of interest to the maturation process.

Whether GraveStock is a whiskey to be remembered or just another concept in costume depends on what’s in the glass. But with its wheat-heavy composition, distinctive aging, and death-branded water, it at least offers a fun story, but how is the whiskey itself? Let’s dig in and find out!

WhistlePig GraveStock Wheat Whiskey Review

GraveStock opens with notes of toffee and lightly roasted coffee beans—inviting, if a bit reserved. A touch of citronella joins in, followed by a cherry note that leans toward maraschino and adds a pop of sweetness. The nose overall is pleasant but holds back more than it should, never fully leaning into its potential.

On the palate, things come alive. Caramel and hazelnuts lead the way, with white chocolate and candied lemon peel entering at the midpalate. The texture is dense and weighty, adding an unexpected richness that carries the flavor forward with authority.

As the sip winds down, white pepper adds a nice burst of spice before mellowing into almond cookies. A lasting note of sweet tea with honey remains, leaving a soft, sweet impression.

While the nose left me wanting more, the palate and finish made up for it with solid flavor and structure. GraveStock carries more punch than most 86 proof whiskeys, with a bit of flair and charm to boot. The marketing may aim to stand out, but the whiskey itself holds its ground—solid, satisfying, and just a few steps shy of something remarkable.

86 proof.

B+ / $75 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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