WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII Feather & Flame is the twelfth chapter in the most coveted limited release series in American rye whiskey. Hand bottled on the WhistlePig farm in Vermont, this single barrel, barrel strength straight rye is the world's first whiskey finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels. After extended maturation in new American oak, the rye undergoes secondary finishing in barrels seasoned with pulque curado crafted from agave, cacao, and a trio of Mexican chiltepín, guajillo, and pasilla peppers. The inspiration came from two ancient Aztec drinks of the gods, pulque and xocolatl, the bitter spiced cacao beverage that gave rise to modern chocolate. This specific bottle is Barrel No. 116, bottled at the top end of the release range at 108.4 proof, and crowned with the now iconic handmade Vermont pewter feathered pig deity topper. A statement piece for collectors and a benchmark moment for innovative American rye.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
WhistlePig |
| Origin |
Shoreham, Vermont, USA |
| Category |
Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Mashbill |
100% Rye |
| Maturation |
New American Oak, finished in Pulque Curado de Cacao barrels |
| Barrel No. |
116 |
| Bottling |
Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, Non Chill Filtered |
| ABV |
54.2% |
| Proof |
108.4 |
| Size |
750ml |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep burnished copper with mahogany highlights.
Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, and orange zest layered with roasted cocoa nibs and warm baking spice.
Palate: Bright citrus leads, balanced by soft oak and cocoa, with rye spice rolling underneath and a subtle earthy heat building through the mid palate.
Finish: Long and savory. Cacao gives way to herbaceous chili pepper that lingers with restrained warmth and dry rye spice.
FAQ
What makes Boss Hog XII different from previous Boss Hog releases?
Feather & Flame is the first whiskey ever finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels, seasoned with agave fermented pulque, cacao, and three Mexican chili peppers. It is the most experimental finish in the Boss Hog series to date.
Does each bottle of Boss Hog XII taste the same?
No. Boss Hog XII is a single barrel release bottled at barrel strength, with proof ranging from 104.8 to 108.4 across the run. This specific bottle is Barrel No. 116 at 108.4 proof, the top end of the range.
How does this compare to other WhistlePig rye whiskeys?
Boss Hog sits at the top of the WhistlePig hierarchy as the brand's most experimental and collectible annual release. Compare with the core WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, the entry tier PiggyBack 6 Year Bourbon, or the age stated WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt.
Where can I buy WhistlePig Boss Hog XII Feather & Flame online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
