WhistlePig Boss Hog X The Commandments Rye Whiskey
by WhistlePig
$749.50
Ten years of Boss Hog releases have culminated in this “Biblical” release, an ultra-aged expression of Canadian rye whiskey finished with a combination of frankincense, myrrh, and gold. Building on the original five tenets of Boss Hog (Single Barrel, Bottled At Proof, Powerfully Complex, Distinctly Unique, and Stupendous)... they have added an additional five: Fearlessly First, Inspired by the Unfamiliar, Irreverently Inventive, Made for Drinking, and Knows No Bounds.
Each barrel of rye for this release was aged in new American Oak before spending time in two unorthodox finishing barrels. The first is seasoned with WhistlePig’s own experimental spirit – distilled from rye and whey, infused with aromatic resins from the genera Boswellia and Commiphora. Commonly known as Frankincense and Myrrh, the resins bring notes of creme brulee, lemongrass and rosemary to the final whiskey. The second and final finish is aged in craft mead casks, offering a mellow, round-bodied finish with hints of red berries and freshly crushed black pepper.
Rich rye spice on the nose, layered with boozy oak and a kick of that frankincense that brings in a dash of smoke and musky incense. A background of sweetness that hits like maple cream, and fruit as well. At first sip the mead barrel finish and a lightly effervescent honey note pop with an almost champagne-like lightness before the bigger oakier rye spice comes in to center stage. A delightful balance between the subtle flavors of light fruits, honey, and even a hint of springtime blossoms in contrast with the background of heavy incense, oak, and rye spice. On the finish the initial sweetness gives way to a rich palate, with a final play of bright citrus, cracked pepper, crystalized honey, and a hint of that aromatic frankincense.
Each barrel of rye for this release was aged in new American Oak before spending time in two unorthodox finishing barrels. The first is seasoned with WhistlePig’s own experimental spirit – distilled from rye and whey, infused with aromatic resins from the genera Boswellia and Commiphora. Commonly known as Frankincense and Myrrh, the resins bring notes of creme brulee, lemongrass and rosemary to the final whiskey. The second and final finish is aged in craft mead casks, offering a mellow, round-bodied finish with hints of red berries and freshly crushed black pepper.
Rich rye spice on the nose, layered with boozy oak and a kick of that frankincense that brings in a dash of smoke and musky incense. A background of sweetness that hits like maple cream, and fruit as well. At first sip the mead barrel finish and a lightly effervescent honey note pop with an almost champagne-like lightness before the bigger oakier rye spice comes in to center stage. A delightful balance between the subtle flavors of light fruits, honey, and even a hint of springtime blossoms in contrast with the background of heavy incense, oak, and rye spice. On the finish the initial sweetness gives way to a rich palate, with a final play of bright citrus, cracked pepper, crystalized honey, and a hint of that aromatic frankincense.