WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII "Feather & Flame" Straight Rye Whiskey Cacao Barrels 105.4PF

Distiller's Note:

Every year, The Boss Hog embarks on a new saga of Whiskey, pushing the boundaries of craft and cask to create a one-of-a-kind Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. The twelfth edition of this stupendous series, Feather & Flame, is no exception.​

Inspired by ancient rituals of Mesoamerica, Feather & Flame unites the wild fermentation of pulque with the rich, peppery chocolate of xocoatl. After an era aging in New American Oak, our best Straight Rye Whiskey is finished in a pulque curado de cacao barrel - where earthy complexity, rich cacao, and the flavors of a trifecta of Mexican pepper are forged with the bold character of Straight Rye Whiskey.

The result - an edition that ascends to new sensory heights. Limited Edition, Bottled at Proof, and crowned with a handmade pewter pig topper, The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame is the twelfth divine chapter in The Boss Hog collection — rebellion, ritual, and Rye in one legendary bottle.

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate and orange zest​.

Palate: Bright citrus leads the way, balanced by soft oak and cocoa with a subtle earthy spice in the background​.

Finish: Savory cacao gives way to herbaceous chili pepper​.

Reviews:

The Whiskey Wash: WhistlePig isn’t afraid to take big swings with The Boss Hog, and while the whiskey’s maturation is a lot to grok, this 12th edition makes very solid contact. Feather & Flame takes classic MGP rye flavor and layers in unique elements of chocolate, spice, and pepper for a pour that’s as fascinating as it is pleasurable. SCORE: 90

The Robb Report: In my opinion, this whiskey reads as more mole-inspired than pulque-influenced as you sip—there is a high level of spice on the palate from the use of those chili peppers in the pulque, but it’s more of a pleasant tingling heat than one that causes any palate fatigue, and it comes with a notable presence of dark chocolate. The rye’s intrinsic black pepper, vanilla, oak, and maple notes shine through, but these are all augmented (and not overtaken) by the flavors from the finishing casks, making this a thoroughly engaging sipper. SCORE: 95

VinePair: The nose has the classic MGP 95/5 rye herbal notes, somewhat betraying what is yet to come. On the palate this is clearly rye, spicy and sharp, with hints of citrus zest, though it’s nicely balanced with sweeter notes of Werther’s Original and Mexican hot chocolate. The finish is pleasant and lingering, with the chili peppers tickling the back of your throat.

Yet again, The Boss Hog had fooled me. I expected something more cloying, dessert-y, and over-the-top. This is hardly that and if any rye haters expect a sweet treat, with the finish covering up the sophisticated baking spice notes, that is not what you get. This is beautifully nuanced, eminently drinkable, and surprising in each sip. SCORE: 95