WhistlePig The Boss Hog IV: The Black Prince

PRICE: $400-800. The suggested retail is $500. Some stores have it on the shelf for less, while some still try to inflate the already high price. INFO: Indiana rye whiskey from MGP, aged 14 years, and finished in French casks that previously held Armagnac. This is bottled at barrel strength, 59.6% ABV. It won best whiskey in the world at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. NOSE: 96/100. Immense complexity. It's definitely fruit-forward, but the rye spices are also prominent. I previously tried the 3rd Boss Hog, The Independent, which was aged in ex-Macallan casks, and the scotch overwhelmed the rye. Since then, WhistlePig has switched to MGP rye, which holds its own much better than Alberta rye. It has plums, toffee, and molasses on top; dark, rich sweetness. Beneath that are white grapes and Bartlett pears; vibrant and juicy. Deeper still are herbs like dill and mint. PALATE: 98/100. A massive, stunning fruit explosion upon arrival that, on my first taste, literally made my eyes widen. It instantly reminds me of a white whale I finally tried this year: Bruichladdich Black Art 4. But this is even better. Full disclosure: I don't currently enjoy strong American ryes. I'm trying to develop an appreciation, similar to how someone new to peat might take time to appreciate Laphroaig 10. Rye is a minor component in this bottle, which might displease traditionalists, but I'm perfectly fine with that. In fact, by combining aged rye with Armagnac, it seems to incorporate flavors from almost every other spirit. It has the fruity notes of a Speyside scotch, the dark sugars and molasses of rum, the roasted cactus notes of mezcal, the caramel and cinnamon of bourbon, and the herbal quality of rye. There's a Christmas baking element; and there's also a Christmas tree, complete with pinecones, element. The intensity is extremely high, but there's no burn, and it doesn't require any water to enjoy. FINISH: 97/100. A long, satisfying finish, dominated by wood but with great complexity. It reminds me of roasting marshmallows on a maple wood stick over an open campfire. Crème brûlée. Floral essential oils. Apricots. And the slightest hint of pepper and pine needles. OVERALL: This is my whiskey of the year. In the fine dining world, Black Prince would be equivalent to Eleven Madison Park. If you prefer traditional dishes, like grandma's lasagna, you won't find that here. But you'll discover something new, bold, and yet genuine enough to win over a skeptic like me. It's aged 14 years and costs $500. Why? Because Armagnac casks are expensive and difficult to source. Plus, it tastes great, offers a unique experience not found in any other bottle, and is presented elegantly. Conveniently, it also discourages bourbon resellers, and you can actually find this on a shelf. MARK: 97/100. VALUE FOR MONEY: I purchased my bottle for $480 and had previously paid $55 per ounce at a bar. Whether you believe paying that much for a whiskey superior to any you've had all year is worthwhile depends on your income and how much of it you're willing to spend on a dram, doesn't it? MY RUNNERS UP (i.e., what Black Prince surpassed): to qualify, this had to be a whiskey I tried for the first time in 2017 (not necessarily released in 2017). 1) Yamazaki 18 year 2) Longrow Red 12 year Pinot Noir finish 3) Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1 4) Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley 5) Cadenhead 1984/2013 Caol Ila 29 year.

My enthusiasm for this whiskey has diminished compared to when I first sampled it. Upon trying a pour for $55 an ounce, I immediately felt compelled to buy a bottle without considering the cost. It was the first "rye" I adored and the first rye bottle I acquired, costing $480. My palate has evolved since then; I recently had a profound experience with a Kentucky Owl Rye Batch 3, and I'm developing a preference for genuine rye, which this Boss Hog doesn't truly offer. This presents a powerful array of delightful flavors. The fruitiness is prominent initially, with juicy white grapes, red delicious apples, raspberries, and plums. This is followed by layers of herbs and spices in an earthy, savory broth. The hints of dill and coriander, however, are very subtle. Even when compared side-by-side with other finished ryes, such as Midwinter Night's Dram, it doesn't fully satisfy if my goal is to taste rye. However, if I'm simply seeking something unique and packed with concentrated, complementary delicious flavors, The Black Prince remains impressive. The price for this whiskey is actually quite reasonable. WhistlePig is bold for facing the disapproval of the typically budget-conscious American bourbon/rye drinker, who questions anything over $50. This whiskey has an age statement and is bottled at cask strength, indicating transparency. One gets the impression that the armagnac casks were costly and crucial to achieving the distinctive final product. While I'm unsure if the casks were indeed that expensive, the important point is that this whiskey is appropriately priced for the market from the start; and there's minimal opportunity for resellers to profit from this series. I would much rather spend $500 to a retailer than to an individual I met in a parking lot, who perhaps paid $100 for the bottle intending to resell it (possibly after engaging in questionable activities with it). Score: ** (incredibly good) Bottle Cost: $400-600 Perceived Bottle Value: $400

The initial aroma was unexpected, not typical of mainstream offerings, but after a few moments, notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, spices, apricots, and caramelized sugar emerged. It's very satisfying and intricate. The palate is incredibly delicious and smooth, with a bold character showing hints of oak, nuts, fruit, and sugar. The finish is very long, echoing that caramelized sugar again. While the price is high, it's justified by its uniqueness compared to other spirits I've encountered. The pewter cap is also a nice touch for collectors. Upon reflection, this spirit continues to impress. The finish reveals a pleasant, mild peppercorn spice, not overpowering like many others. I'm quite fond of this and plan to purchase another bottle soon as this one won't last long.

Treating myself to an early birthday gift. The whiskey's color is incredibly striking, precisely matching the ideal shade of amber. The pewter lid also feels remarkably weighty. Anyway. Amazing. This rye is truly unique among all whiskies I've experienced; other distilleries would struggle to replicate it without their own Armagnac casks. Considering it's a rye, you'd anticipate significant spice, but the Armagnac (brandy) barrels beautifully temper this, creating something exceptional. After searching for it, I detected the MGP dill and mint on the nose, enhancing the complexity of this superbly crafted rye. It delivers rich, sweet, fruity, and spicy notes simultaneously. Is the cost justified? That's up to you. If you can share the expense with friends (and rely on the person holding it), go for it, or purchase a single glass if available at a bar. 4.75/5

Nose: Big, bold rye spice; Kit-Kat candy bar; coconuts; fresh baked bread; bananas; wood spice; a whisper of maple syrup Palate: Initial wave of aged, funky oak; baking spices; cinnamon; rich vanilla; cherries; polished saddle leather; herbaceous/earthy notes towards the end Finish: Long, spicy yet mouth-coating finish; Baking spices; dark fruits (plums, red grapes); earthy with a hint of barrel char Excellent spirit. The nose is the standout feature of this rye. Big, bold rye spices, yet delicate simultaneously, with a distinct Kit-Kat and tropical fruit note. The palate is a tidal wave of flavors. Funky, aged oak, vanilla, baking spices – the list continues. Very enjoyable. The finish is also long, with just the right amount of dryness while still coating the mouth in rye goodness. This is an expensive bottle, no question, but considering the liquid inside, the bottle design, and if cost is not a major concern, I recommend acquiring one.

This is an amazing rye, but for $499.00, no. I managed to trade for this beautiful dram, though. Here's my review from the Facebook Group I run, called "What it's titled: "Whiskey 🥃 Grilling Time Review!" "WHISTLEPIG THE BOSS HOG IV: THE BLACK PRINCE REVIEW!" Best of Show San Francisco World Spirits Competition '17. Taste Note: The aroma offers warming spices like cinnamon, oak, rye bread, and spearmint. The palate begins with spice, delivering the potent impact of its high proof. Following that is brown sugar and crème brûlée, with a medicinal and herbal organic taste, almost savory, in the background with a hint of smoke. A little water tames the intensity and reveals more of its vanilla sweetness. The finish is long, with char, spicy oak, and vanilla. This hit all the marks of a G.O.A.T. whiskey 🥃. "A full belly, a heavy hog, and a light of luck!" Cheers!