Whistle Pig The Boss Hog XII Feather Flame Straight Rye Whiskey
Overview
WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame represents the 12th installment in the distillery's acclaimed annual Boss Hog series, blending straight rye whiskey with finishes inspired by ancient Aztec beverages pulque and xocolatl. This limited edition merges rye aged in new American oak with barrels seasoned in agave, cacao, and Mexican chiltepín, guajillo, and pasilla peppers, marking the first North American flavor fusion in the series since Boss Hog II.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Straight Rye Whiskey |
| ABV | Varies by barrel (104.8–108.4 proof / 52.4–54.2% ABV) |
| Mashbill | Rye |
| Release Info | 12th annual Boss Hog edition (2025), single barrel releases |
| Age | Not stated |
Good to know
Each bottle is a single barrel selection, presented in a collectible feathered pig deity bottle with Aztec art gift box and NFC-authenticated labels. The innovative finishing process draws from pulque curado de cacao barrels, balancing the rye's inherent spice with subtle sweetness and heat. MSRP stands at $600, positioning it as a premium collector's item.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Agave-driven sweetness mingles with cacao notes and subtle pepper warmth, layered over rye's classic herbal spice.
- Palate: Bold rye spice yields to caramelized agave and dark chocolate, with chiltepín heat building alongside guajillo earthiness for a balanced, non-overwhelming profile.
- Finish: Lingering pepper spice fades into smooth cacao and oak, medium-length and approachable.
Notable details
- Production: Initially aged in new American oak barrels, then finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels seasoned with agave, cacao, and Mexican peppers; non-chill filtered.
- Lineage: Part of WhistlePig's Boss Hog series, known for eccentric, high-proof single barrel experiments.
- Availability: Limited annual release with varying proofs per barrel.
"Feather & Flame stands out as a surprisingly approachable and delightful entry in the Boss Hog line, ideal as an after-dinner sipper for the holidays." – Drinkhacker
A refined rye innovation that tempers bold experimentation with elegant drinkability.
Sources
[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: WhistlePig “The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame” Rye Whiskey 2025"
[2] Thewhiskeywash – "WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame Straight Rye Whiskey Review"
[4] Vinepair – "The Best of the Rest: WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame Straight Rye Whiskey"
No price history available for this product