WhistlePig Rye Whiskey recently announced the release of The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve, the fifth edition of their limited edition unique whiskies. The Boss Hog is only produced when the brand feels they can create something superior to anything they have previously made. This marque fulfills the five promises WhistlePig makes to each edition of The Boss Hog: single barrel, bottled at barrel proof, powerfully complex, distinctly unique from anything they have done before, and stupendous.
The Spirit of Mauve is a celebration of one of the brand’s founding celebrity pigs. Mauve’s lover, Mortimer, was tragically killed defending her honor in 2014, and was memorialized in The Boss Hog, second edition, The Spirit of Mortimer. Mauve persevered for the sake of their son, Mortimer Jr., but she sadly passed away this Valentine’s Day, presumably of a broken heart. The Spirit of Mauve is a 13 Year Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Calvados Casks in honor of Mauve’s undying love of apples. Each bottle features a handcrafted Danforth pewter stopper in the shape of Mauve ascending to heaven and a casket-inspired gift box.
“The Spirit of Mauve is my favorite Boss Hog release so far. It is full flavored yet subtle, with lots of warm spice and apple notes. It’s like drinking Grandma’s apple pie.” explains Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller for WhistlePig.
The former editions of the line include The Boss Hog IV: The Black Prince (2017), The Boss Hog III: The Independent (2015), Boss Hog II: The Spirit of Mortimer (2014) and The Boss Hog (2013). This newest edition is bottled at barrel proof at a suggested retail price is $499.99.
The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve (119 proof)
Visual: Medium gold.
Nose: Fine spiced rye nose which leads into more subtle apple notes. Mouth-watering, engaging and very much like a fresh-baked cinnamon apple pie.
Taste: The Calvados hits right off the bat with bright high, fruity notes. But, this is quickly followed by a powerful rye flavor which has an intensity that dissipates anything else going on. A quite dry and heavy (at 119 proof) whiskey that retains its true character, but is lightly patinaed by the addition of the Calvados finish.
Finish: Interestingly, the apple again comes through after the intensity of the rye cools down, making for an autumnal-like finish.
Overall: Let’s be honest. All WhistlePig whiskies are killer. This one is no exception. You should get a bottle for investment purposes if nothing else. But, if you have a truly special occasion, this is an excellent whiskey to crack open and savor.
GSN Rating: A
For more information go to: Whistlepig
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