WhistlePig Boss Hog XII ‘Feather & Flame’ Straight Rye Whiskey
WhistlePig Boss Hog XII ‘Feather & Flame’ is the twelfth edition in the annual Boss Hog series — a highly collectible, premium, limited-edition straight rye whiskey. Inspired by ancient Mesoamerican flavours, this barrel-strength release is finished in casks seasoned with pulque curado de cacao — a blend of fermented agave and chocolate — giving it rich spice and cacao depth alongside classic rye soul.
WhistlePig Boss Hog XII ‘Feather & Flame’ Straight Rye Whiskey
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | WhistlePig Boss Hog XII ‘Feather & Flame’ Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Brand | WhistlePig |
| Company | WhistlePig |
| Category | Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Vermont |
| Distillery | WhistlePig Farm & Bottling |
| Age | Approx. 12+ years (NAS traditional barrel aging) |
| Style | Cask Strength, Pulque Curado de Cacao Finished |
| Alcohol | ~52.4–54.2% ABV (104.8–108.4 proof) |
| Cask Type | New American Oak, finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels |
| Bottling | Single barrel, numbered |
| Availability | Limited / Annual release |
Testing notes
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Deep amber with copper highlights |
| Aroma | Dark chocolate, roasted cocoa nibs, warm baking spices |
| Flavours | Bold rye spice, cacao sweetness, honey, caramel, citrus lift |
| Texture | Full-bodied, rich, warming |
| Finish | Long, smooth with lingering spice, oak, and bittersweet chocolate |
Prices
Prices can vary significantly due to taxes, import duties, retailer markups, and currency fluctuations
| Country/Region | Price (70/75 cl) |
|---|---|
| United States (Retail) | $549 – $699 USD typical range for 750 ml limited releases |
| United States (Secondary) | $650 – $800+ USD depending on scarcity and collector demand |
| Other Regions (Import) | Varies widely — high markups due to limited supply and duties |
Experts’ View:
WhistlePig Boss Hog XII has stirred excitement among rye aficionados and collectors due to its innovative finishing method and flavour complexity. Industry reviews highlight how the cacao and agave influence layers of dark chocolate and earthy spice onto WhistlePig’s signature bold rye backbone. Critics note that despite its high proof, Feather & Flame drinks smoother than expected, with a nuanced interplay of rye spice, sweet cacao, and warm herbaceous notes — striking a balance between bold experimentation and drinkability.
FAQs
1. What is “pulque curado de cacao,” and how does it affect the whiskey?
It’s a fermented agave beverage blended with cacao that the distillery uses to season barrels for finishing. This imparts rich chocolate depth and spicy earthiness to the rye without overwhelming its core character.
2. Why is each bottle different?
Boss Hog XII is released as single-barrel expressions, meaning each bottle is drawn from one cask. Proof and subtle flavour nuances can vary from barrel to barrel.
3. How should I enjoy Feather & Flame?
I like to sip it neat or with a few drops of water to open its layered spice and cacao sweetness. Its complexity also makes it a good slow-sip choice for contemplative tasting rather than casual serving.
