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Valtteri Bottas is Known for his daring moves on the Formula 1 track, the driver's latest release is a clear departure from the track.
Bottas and the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber have teamed up with WhistlePig Whiskey to release a new limited-edition whiskey, a tribute to craftsmanship, precision and performance. Officially called the “WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel,” the release is available for purchase now for $59.99 online.
WhistlePig says the fluid was personally selected by Potash and The F1 team, and the driver’s fingerprints (figuratively) are all over the release: the rye whisky is aged for six years in new American oak and finished in Bottas’ OΛTH Gin casks. The finished whisky is also bottled at 100.77 – a nod to Bottas’ racing number, 77.
From his own signature to butt Bottas has always been known for his diverse personality off the track, and the driver says he was delighted to work with WhistlePig on something unique. “Of course I’m a fan of great whisky, but I was also interested in working with brands that weren’t afraid to be bold and experimental,” he says. Rolling Stone“The WhistlePig team doesn't take themselves too seriously and I really liked the funky vibe.”
The Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Single Barrel delivers traditional whisky flavours of vanilla, caramel and spice, with a touch of “crunchy apple” and “gentle pine” from the gin casks. The drink has a herbal and floral flavour at the same time, with a “delicious tropical fruit finish”, according to the brand. Everything is crisp and smooth, ensuring that the “flavoured” in the team’s name remains the only “flavoured” in the team’s name.
“Whiskey and gin are two of my favourite spirits, so combining them was really nice,” says Bottas. “Fans don’t always see my character behind the car, so I like to put myself in the front.”
However, there is one thing Bottas had to learn about whisky making: “It is better to make whisky slowly, which is something I was not used to,” says the racer.
As part of the partnership, WhistlePig is betting $1.77 million in limited-edition profits on F1 Team KICK Sauber winning this season. There are only a few races left in 2024, but the ever-optimistic Bottas says his goal is always to win. “Every race is a new opportunity to learn and a chance to improve,” he says.
As for whether he will celebrate with a drink or not, the Formula 1 star says: “Moderation is important of course, but celebrating a win or a big achievement with a good drink is a tradition for me.”
