WhistlePig The Boss Hog Straight Rye Whiskey

One would likely need to enjoy the sweetness of rye whiskey to truly appreciate this. Lately, I've become quite fond of single malt Scotch and genuinely appreciate the mildness of its taste and the subtle finish, even the peaty varieties. My children allowed me a sample of this very exclusive product, and I concur that it possesses significant character as it goes down. I'm not an expert, but Scotch seems to offer a gentler clarity compared to the candy-like flavor of rye whiskey.

This is not for the young. Unlike its sweeter younger sibling, the ten-year-old, this one is a fiery spirit not suited for the timid. An incredible distillery, and their twelve-year rye is a true delight when the mood strikes. It's not really something I would consume daily (even if I had the means)... But if you have the opportunity, don't miss out. The ten-year edition is my absolute favorite rye, and I wish it were listed so I could request an option for a sixth star.

The flavors are complex, but it was a bit too fiery for my preference. While I can appreciate the intricate flavors, it has a significant burn. I detected notes of cinnamon and a subtle hint of caramel vanilla, but the finish was dominated by an overpowering peppercorn. There's a lot of oak and smoke, and it simply wasn't mellow enough for my liking. It begins with spice and concludes with spice. As my spouse puts it, "it will put hair on your chest".

Distinctive grassy aroma with allspice, lake mud, cinnamon, and vanilla. Appears almost entirely on the first taste, joined by a hint of pepper and more grass. Adding a bit of water reveals more grain notes and extends the finish. The heat emerges late with a pleasant, lasting warmth. I prefer it neat, appreciating the grassy and muddy character that way. Really enjoy the grassy and muddy tones in that state.

[01.16.17] Wow! This whiskey has a sharp, fresh quality that initially surprises you before leaving you pleased. It's a sweet and spicy rye, with a floral hint (though that might have been the apricot jam accompanying the peanut butter wings). A solid whiskey; I'll need a few more samples to discern the finer details.;)

I'm a big fan of Alberta Premium for my Old Fashioneds due to its 100% rye content, so it was fantastic to notice the parallels in this more aged, complex expression from Alberta Distillers, bottled by Whistlepig. It's a superb sipping rye. I also have the 10-year-old Vermont edition (100% rye, 102 proof).