This is the second glass from a newly opened bottle, which is making the aroma seem constricted and likely means it needs more time to breathe for the full scent to emerge. The aroma and taste both come across as piquant, resembling chili spice rather than warm baking spices. It's astringent due to tannins and not very sugary. I detect some cocoa notes in the aftertaste, but it's an unusual spirit and merits the cost for a solitary try, though I won't purchase a bottle at its high suggested retail price.
WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame
4.28 Very good
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About this bottle
The 12th expression in WhistlePig's The Boss Hog series is inspired by two ancient Aztec drinks: pulque and xocolatl. Straight rye whiskey, initially aged in new American oak, is then transferred to barrels previously seasoned with pulque curado, which includes agave, cacao, and three types of Mexican peppers (chiltepín, guajillo, and pasilla). These single barrel releases will range in proof from 104.8 to 108.4 (52.4-54.2% ABV) and are expected in select markets from October 2025, with a suggested retail price of $599.99.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 4 parsed reviews.
I'm a big fan of the Boss Hog series. I'm enjoying the latest addition, which is warm and spicy, ideal for an autumn day. It has notes of toasted oak, red hots, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of sweetness. I approve!
Sweet yet spicy. The cocoa and spice blend is very pleasing. A little pepper in the finish makes you want to go back for another sip to recapture the sweet entry. Absolutely delightful!
Burn, full, lingers
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.