One of essentially the most anticipated whiskey releases annually belongs to WhistlePig and its annual The Boss Hog expression, which is now in its ninth 12 months. The eighth version was aged in Philippine rum casks, whereas the seventh version was double-aged in Spanish oak and South American teakwood. There’s at all times one thing new to expertise, and that’s no completely different this 12 months.
WhistlePig The Boss Hog IX ‘Siren’s Track’ follows the model’s Boss Hog ethos, which requires every launch to be single barrel, bottled at proof, powerfully advanced, and distinctly distinctive from something they’ve performed earlier than.
On this case, straight rye whiskey is first aged in American oak after which double completed in WhistlePig’s personal Greek fig nectar casks and farm-scratch tentura casks—the latter is a Greek liqueur originating within the Peloponnesian metropolis of Patras. Each finishes have been created by WhistlePig on their Vermont farm utilizing each Greek and native substances, with the tentura liqueur that includes cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, orange peel, and honey.
To create the brand new whiskey, WhistlePig’s feminine whiskey makers turned to the 9 historical muses from Greek mythology.
Every bottle is sealed with a bespoke pewter topper depicting one of many 9 muses and her respective artwork, with the total set of 9 toppers randomly distributed on bottles all through the nation. The cask-strength whiskey falls between 51.3% ABV and 53.1% ABV.
The WhistlePig group visited Greece to supply substances and be taught from specialists at an area tentura distillery. “We have been drawn to the distinctly distinctive flavors of Greece and the way they’d work together with the daring taste of our aged rye whiskey,” says Liz Rhoades, Head of Whiskey Growth at WhistlePig.
Siren’s Track contains a end by no means earlier than seen in whiskey, and that aligned with the group’s aim to make a spirit that pushes the envelope. “Our ambition to unlock the final word taste complexity—and the nectar and tentura, which have been new trials in and of themselves—was properly definitely worth the problem as soon as we landed the ultimate product,” says Meghan Eire, the Head Blender at WhistlePig.
WhistlePig The Boss Hog IX ‘Siren’s Track’ hits the specified mark of huge and daring. On the nostril, floral orange blossom jumps to the entrance, adopted by dried fruits and honey. On the palate, there’s a number of baking spice, primarily cinnamon and clove from the tentura casks. Deep, darkish cherry pops up, and hints of fig mingle with oak and rye spice. Pour a glass and put together to remain awhile—the whiskey unlocks extra flavors and develops within the glass over time.
The limited-edition whiskey is on the market in a 750 mL bottle and carries a recommended retail worth of $599.99. It’s offered at a wide range of premium liquor shops, bars, and eating places, plus on-line through WhistlePig’s web site.
