WhistlePig Boss Hog XIII The Golden Pharaoh Straight Rye Whiskey

WhistlePig Boss Hog XIII The Golden Pharaoh Straight Rye Whiskey is the thirteenth annual chapter of WhistlePig's most coveted single-barrel series — the release die-hard rye collectors circle on the calendar each year for its experimental finish and cask-proof bottling.

Process & Profile

Every bottle of the Golden Pharaoh is drawn from a single barrel and bottled at barrel proof, landing between 102.6 and 105 proof (51.3–52.5% ABV) depending on the cask. The rye matures first in new American oak, then takes a world-first finish in barrels seasoned with Egyptian Black Honey and tiger nut — the kind of one-off cask experiment that has defined Boss Hog since founder Raj Bhakta launched WhistlePig on a Shoreham, Vermont farm in 2007 and enlisted the late Dave Pickerell, formerly Maker's Mark's master distiller, to shape the house style. Each edition of the series carries its own theme and a hand-cast pewter topper; here it is a pharaoh etched with hieroglyphics, seated on a box that unseals like a tomb, with an NFC chip in the back label that registers ownership.

On the nose, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted almond.

Across the palate, molasses and light honey give way to baking spice and a peppery black-pepper bite.

The finish settles into soft toasted almond and brown-sugar oatmeal, long and gently sweet.

What sets this thirteenth release apart is the finish itself: no major American rye has been run through Egyptian black honey and tiger nut casks before, making it a genuine one-time curiosity rather than a line extension.

Serve neat in a Glencairn; a single drop of water widens the spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this whiskey?
A single-barrel straight rye and the 13th edition of WhistlePig's annual Boss Hog series, finished in Egyptian black honey and tiger nut casks.

What are the specs?
Single barrel, bottled at barrel proof between 102.6 and 105 proof (51.3–52.5% ABV), 750mL, with a pewter pharaoh topper and NFC-authenticated label.

What does it taste like?
Brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted almond on the nose; molasses, honey, and black pepper on the palate; a soft almond and brown-sugar finish.

How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn, with an optional drop of water.

Why is this release notable?
It is a barrel-proof single barrel carrying the first-ever Egyptian black honey and tiger nut finish in the Boss Hog line.