WhistlePig The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve

Forty-eight dollars for a one-and-a-half-ounce serving. I rated this a 3.5 out of 5, considering the cost. This is based on my new rating system, where 0 is Glenfiddich 12. There is no pressure to overrate something too close to a maximum possible score. Plus seven, I have decided, is an excellent score. I might buy this $500 rye. Look, there's no logical reason to pay that much for a bottle of alcohol; you buy it for irrational motives... and the market dictates. The reality is, if Boss Hog were reasonably priced at $100-200, it would be gone from the shelves, and the resale market would set the price closer to $1000. The high price deters resellers and ensures it's available for genuine rye enthusiasts. But I don't even enjoy rye! It makes no sense. Yet, the narrative of a pig named Mauve and her fondness for apples adds an emotional draw. The Boss Hog line has improved consistently in balancing special casks with a very good aged rye. The herbal quality of the rye provides a fantastic base for various fruits, with apple being the standout here. You can detect the Calvados influence. There's candied apple, apple pie, and even the tartness of green apple skin. Simultaneously, the rye's character remains present, creating a truly perfect combination. This Boss Hog V is considerably milder than Boss Hog IV (The Black Prince), which was a chaotic mix of dark fruits and spices. I can actually sip this straight, unlike the previous two Boss Hogs, which required water. Comparing it to the prior two Boss Hogs: III (The Independent) at around $350: A fairly average drink, and certainly not worth the price. IV (The Black Prince) at around $450: Astonishing, and I purchased a bottle immediately after trying it. V (Spirit of Mauve) at around $500: Very good, and I'm contemplating buying a bottle.

Aroma: Apple pie, with cinnamon, pastry, mouth-watering apples, and even ice cream. The rye is present but understated, serving as a base for everything else. Taste: Sweet and hot, with notes of pie crust, pepper, nutmeg, cloves, apple skins, and chili oil. Experience: Like sitting on the back porch with a companion on a summer evening, eating hot apple pie and ice cream. Perhaps a pet is sniffing around, munching on discarded apple cores. Epilogue: This whiskey was exceptionally fitting. It is big and bold yet equally approachable and complex, much like the companion mentioned. It was their favorite yet and comes in a coffin, reminding us that while life is sweet, it is also fleeting and best shared with friends and loved ones. Final thoughts: Look, no whiskey is truly "worth" $400-$500. I acquired this for sentimental reasons. I got into whiskey, and rye in particular, through this brand. I spoke with a respected figure in the industry, and they are a huge inspiration to me. This is a personal whiskey I bought as a memento and a thank you to that figure. Their stated reason for the cost was to prevent flipping, as anyone with sense knows it's not worth $500 (their words). "This is something special for the fans," they would say. Unfortunately, with their passing, the hype has led to hoarding and flipping. If this describes you, please open your bottles and share them with friends; otherwise, you are disrespecting what that individual stood for. Purchase this or any costly item for the experience, not for the "value".

The aroma is an immediate burst of baked apples, cloves, some toffee, and just a touch of grassy rye in the background. The palate begins as if it will be sweet and pleasant. This is instantly replaced by a forceful impact as the agreeable notes of apple, caramel, and rye spice are overtaken by a deep fiery burn, and unfortunately, a strong ethanol presence. Overall, extremely enjoyable, extremely intense, and extremely overpriced. I would pay $125-150 for a bottle, but definitely not $400-600.

The aroma is an earthy sweetness with maple, vanilla, and ripe fruit. It has that same grassy scent found in all the other offerings. The thick, viscous body delivers an exceptionally complex mix of tastes. More barrel influence is present, but it's remarkably well-balanced and easy to drink for its strength. Dark, toasted grains and a lingering sweetness combine with a touch of barrel char. The long, drawn-out finish leaves a sticky sensation with notes of burnt sugar.

An incredible whiskey, but the cost is simply outrageous. It surpasses the Black Price (the only other Boss Hog release I've tried)... I'd concur with another reviewer that it doesn't justify the higher price over the 15 year old... nor does it warrant the increased cost compared to many of the 10 year store picks. I would rate the taste a 4.25, but I'm reducing it slightly due to the $500 retail price. At that price point, you'd be better off seeking out some exceptional ryes on the resale market.

Wonderful! Classic nose of mint and fresh dill with notes of ripe yellow pear. On the palate, the intensity of the rye increases. Notes of dried hay, red delicious apples, poached pear with soft clove and fresh cinnamon. A long and complex finish leaves me wanting more. This is significantly more complex after being open for a year; it was WAY too restrained right out of the bottle.