WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu's Pacific is the eighth edition of WhistlePig's most celebrated annual release, an ultra-aged straight rye finished in barrels that once held Philippine rum. Released in 2021 as the closing chapter of a two-year journey around the world, it is a single-barrel, cask-strength rye and one of the most sought-after American whiskeys of its year.
The Boss Hog VIII starts with straight rye whiskey aged for nearly 18 years in new American oak. WhistlePig then gave it a double finish in high-toast barrels that had previously held small-batch, single-island aged Philippine rum. Those rum barrels were themselves coopered from American oak and first held bourbon, so the rye picks up layers of tropical sweetness and spice on top of its own deep oak and rye character.
The release completes the around-the-world journey begun by its predecessor, The Boss Hog VII. Every bottle of The Boss Hog is drawn from a single barrel and bottled at its natural proof, so strength varies from barrel to barrel; this bottle is 103.5 proof. Each comes in a black presentation box with a display base and a sculpted stopper, and the series is known for the detail of its packaging as much as for the whiskey inside.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Lush vanilla giving way to underripe banana, fresh lemon and molasses.
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Palate: Fresh-ground cinnamon with citrus zest, butterscotch and light toffee.
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Finish: Tanned leather, light brown sugar, nutmeg and allspice, with a long black pepper rye spice.
Specifications
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Producer: WhistlePig
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Style: Straight Rye Whiskey, single barrel, cask strength
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Expression / Batch: The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu's Pacific (2021)
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Age: Nearly 18 years
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Proof / ABV: 103.5 proof (51.75% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: New American oak, double finished in high-toast barrels that held Philippine rum
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Region: United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
At cask strength, taste a small measure neat first, then add a few drops of water to open up the tropical fruit and soften the spice. A single large ice cube also works. It pairs well with banana bread, dark chocolate or a full-bodied cigar, and its presentation box makes it a superb gift for any collector of rare American rye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is The Boss Hog VIII finished?
It is double finished in high-toast barrels that previously held small-batch, single-island Philippine rum.
How old is The Boss Hog VIII?
The rye was aged for nearly 18 years in new American oak before its rum-barrel finish.
What proof is this bottle of The Boss Hog VIII?
Each bottle is single barrel; this one is 103.5 proof, or 51.75% ABV.
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