WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII Feather & Flame

xperience the bold complexity of WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII Feather & Flame, a limited-edition straight rye whiskey meticulously hand-bottled on WhistlePig Farm in Vermont and finished in innovative pulque curado de cacao barrels, a world-first for rye whiskey. At a potent cask strength of 104.8 proof (52.4% ABV), this masterful release captivates with a nose of dark chocolate, roasted cocoa nibs, and warm spices, followed by a palate bursting with assertive rye spice, sweet cacao, honey, caramel, and a long, smooth finish touched by rich chocolate and oak. Each individually numbered barrel embodies exclusivity and collectibility, featuring a handmade pewter topper and NFC-enabled registration, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors seeking unmatched craftsmanship and flavor innovation in American whiskey.

Process & Profile

This exceptional straight rye whiskey is crafted from a 100% rye mash bill and represents one of WhistlePig's oldest and most potent expressions. The whiskey undergoes initial aging in new American oak barrels before receiving its distinctive finish in pulque curado de cacao barrels, which have been seasoned with agave-fermented pulque and cured with cacao and Mexican chili peppers. This marks the world's first pulque curado barrel finish for rye whiskey, a pioneering technique that infuses the spirit with the complex essence of Xocolatl, the sacred Aztec chili chocolate drink.

Bottled at cask strength, the proof varies by barrel but typically ranges between 104.8 and 108.4 proof (52.4-56% ABV), delivering bold, concentrated flavors without dilution. Each bottle is individually hand-selected, numbered, and authenticated through NFC technology on the back label, ensuring both exclusivity and provenance.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The aromatic profile opens with dark chocolate, roasted cocoa nibs, and warm spices, complemented by caramel, orange zest, dark maple, and dried fruit with undertones of oak and vanilla.

Palate: The taste experience begins with intense rye spice that evolves into layers of sweet cacao, honey, and caramel. Bright citrus notes balance soft oak and cocoa, while waves of subtle earthy spice build throughout, creating a complex and dynamic flavor profile.

Finish: The conclusion is long, warm, and smooth, featuring lingering notes of chocolate and oak. A dramatic burst of savory cacao gives way to herbaceous chili pepper, creating a memorable finale that defies conventional whiskey expectations.

What Makes It Special

Revolutionary Barrel Finish: The pulque curado de cacao barrel finish is unprecedented in rye whiskey production, imparting rich layers of chocolate, earthiness, and balanced sweetness that transform the traditional rye profile.

Exceptional Collectibility: As part of the most collectible limited-edition series in American whiskey, Boss Hog XII features rare barrel selections and small-batch availability that appeals to serious collectors and connoisseurs.

Artisanal Presentation: Each bottle is crowned with a Vermont handmade pewter topper depicting a feathered pig deity wielding Aztec chilis and a traditional chocolate whisk. These collectible pewter stoppers are designed and cast by hand just 11 miles from the WhistlePig Farm.

High-Proof Intensity: The cask strength bottling preserves the whiskey's full aromatic and flavor complexity, delivering powerful rye spice balanced with chocolate and caramel notes in every sip.

Farm-to-Bottle Authenticity: Hand-bottled on the WhistlePig farm in Vermont, this release embodies the distillery's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship while honoring ancient Mexican traditions.

How to Enjoy

Boss Hog XII Feather & Flame is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its complex flavor layers and high-proof intensity. For those who prefer a slightly mellower experience, adding a splash of water will open up the whiskey's full complexity and reveal additional nuances in the flavor profile.

This bold rye whiskey pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate desserts, creating harmonious flavor combinations that enhance both the whiskey and the foo

Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses. 

Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.