WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu's Pacific

Taste - Sampled 2 oz neat in a rocks glass at Cornerstone Tap in Lemont, IL. Nose - Sweet candied orange, baker's chocolate, allspice, and clove. Palate has a delicious, rich viscosity, making it something to truly savor. Upon the initial taste, a burst of spice quickly finds balance with sweeter fruit notes, maple sugar, and candied orange chocolate, akin to the fruit jellies in a World's Finest Assortment box. There's also an herbal component, like musty black tea or possibly drying tobacco. It's a pleasant sip. Finish - The finish is long and perhaps a bit too sweet, with a definite rum presence. It lingers on the palate before fading to milk chocolate. Overall - This is a delicious finished rye with many layers. Sweet, herbal, spicy, and rich are all apt descriptions. However, the key question is whether it significantly surpasses or differs from Angel's Envy Finished Rye. My answer is no. I didn't find $400 worth of improvement over AE finished rye. While it offered a bit more intensity and complexity, it was in a similar category. I was fortunate to encounter a bar or bartender who was unaware of its value or was being particularly generous, charging only $25.00 for a 2 oz neat pour. Honestly, I wouldn't spend more than that. Is it a good dram? Yes. A must-have? No.

The aroma is rich but not sharp, beginning with brown sugar, vanilla, and a lovely floral scent. The initial taste on the tongue is sweet, followed by a mild rye spice at the end. Maple syrup, subtle hints of cinnamon, and citrus are present. I'm sensing orange zest and lemon. It feels a bit warmer when swished around the mouth, yet remains exceptionally well-balanced. The finish isn't overly prolonged but leaves a smooth mouthfeel with some lingering rye spice.

A beautiful harmony of sweet rum-like and spicy rye-like flavors. Nose: Molasses, Spearmint, Oranges, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Milk Chocolate, Root Beer, White Chocolate, Cherries, Jordan Almonds Palate: Cloves, Vanilla, Cherries, Oranges, Honey, Dark Chocolate, Oak, Chili Peppers, Maple Syrup, Guava Finish: Root Beer, Cloves, Vanilla, Dill, Cinnamon, Peaches, Cherries, Hazelnuts, Nutmeg

This expression has a lot to live up to, as a favorite is hard to beat. The aroma is filled with molasses, alcohol vapors, and spices. It has a full body with a good balance of molasses, spices, smoke, and pepper. The finish is smooth and long with some warmth. Quite tasty, but not quite as good as the prior version.

It had more heat than I anticipated but a great finish. It mellowed after being opened. It needs to be poured and allowed to rest before drinking.

Aromatic profile is fantastic 5/5 Taste is very enjoyable and satisfying 5/5 Lingering finish is quite excellent 4/5