WhistlePig The Boss Hog IV The Black Prince 14 Year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml

WhistlePig The Boss Hog IV The Black Prince is the fourth and most decorated chapter in the most coveted limited release series in American rye whiskey, hand bottled on the WhistlePig farm in Vermont in 2017. This release earned the coveted Best in Show Whiskey title at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most prestigious blind tasting award in the spirits world, putting WhistlePig at the absolute pinnacle of global whiskey recognition. The 14 year old straight rye was distilled at MGP in Indiana, aged in new American oak, then finished in Armagnac casks sourced directly from France, making it the first rye whiskey ever finished in Armagnac. The Black Prince name honors England's Prince Edward of Woodstock, who in the 14th century raided southwest France and counted many of the region's finest Armagnac barrels among his substantial loot. To carry the theme, the handmade pewter pig topper wears chain mail armor, one of the most distinctive Boss Hog toppers in the series. This specific bottle is Barrel No. 1, bottled at 119.2 proof / 59.6% ABV, single barrel and barrel strength. A landmark, award winning release and a cornerstone collector's bottle.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep rich amber with mahogany highlights from the extended Armagnac cask finish.

Nose: Apricot, fig, plum, and toasted almond lead with deeply caramelized brown sugar and molasses, lifted by the Armagnac influence into stone fruit territory.

Palate: Bold powerful spice meets dried apricot, clove, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. Cinnamon, citrus, and black tea evolve through the mid palate, with the 14 years and barrel strength delivering serious weight.

Finish: Long and warm with dried apricot, baking spice, toasted oak, and a whisper of smoke that lingers evenly.

FAQ

What makes Boss Hog IV The Black Prince unique? It is the first rye whiskey ever finished in Armagnac casks, and the only Boss Hog release to earn Best in Show Whiskey at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Armagnac influence brings stone fruit and caramelized sugar character that no other cask finish in the WhistlePig catalog replicates.

Why is it called The Black Prince? The bottle pays tribute to Prince Edward of Woodstock, the 14th century English prince known as the Black Prince, who raided southwest France during the Hundred Years War and seized many of the finest Armagnac barrels as part of his loot. The Armagnac cask finishing is the literal connection to the historical theme, and the pewter pig topper wears chain mail armor to match.

Does each bottle taste the same? No. The Black Prince is single barrel and bottled at barrel strength. This specific bottle is Barrel No. 1 at 119.2 proof / 59.6% ABV. Other barrels in the release run vary in proof and ABV.

Is Boss Hog IV still in production? No. The Black Prince was the 2017 annual Boss Hog release and has been discontinued for years. Given its Best in Show status and the limited production of any Boss Hog release, remaining bottles are extremely scarce and trade well above original retail on the secondary market.

How does this compare to other WhistlePig releases? Boss Hog sits at the apex of the WhistlePig hierarchy. The Black Prince is one of the most decorated bottles in the entire WhistlePig catalog due to its Best in Show win. Compare with the core WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, the wine cask finished Old World 12 Year, or the age stated WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt.

Where can I buy WhistlePig Boss Hog IV The Black Prince online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.