Food & Drink

Review: WhistlePig “The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific” Rye Whiskey 17 Years Old 2021

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It’s December, in order that should imply it’s time to get down with one other launch of WhistlePig’s prized Boss Hog, now in its eighth version: LapuLapu’s Pacific, which is double completed in rum casks. It’s a single barrel launch that’s “nearly” 18 years previous, however nonetheless technically a 17 yr previous bottling.

Let’s dig into the deets, that are intensive, so let’s settle in:

LapuLapu’s Pacific just isn’t solely the eighth version of WhistlePig’s most wanted annual restricted version, but additionally the sequel to The Boss Hog VII: Magellan’s Atlantic, launched final yr and awarded Finest Rye Whiskey on the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competitors. Persevering with the epic circumnavigation voyage throughout the Pacific, The Boss Hog VIII options Straight Rye Whiskey aged for almost 18 years in new American Oak, adopted by a double end in excessive toast barrels that beforehand held small batch, single island, aged Philippine Rum.

The Boss Hog VIII attracts inspiration each traditionally and symbolically from the Philippines the place Magellan met his destiny by the hands of Filipino hero LapuLapu throughout the battle of Mactan. Magellan’s journey ended within the Philippines on April 27, 1521, when the native victory dispelled the Spanish fleet. 5 hundred years later, LapuLapu is well known as a logo of energy and independence – his likeness captured within the hand-made, collectible pewter pig that crowns The Boss Hog. For avid collectors, no residence bar is full with out The Boss Hog VII and VIII sequel.

The Philippines is without doubt one of the world’s lesser-known Rum producers. The Rum barrels for The Boss Hog VIII make their very own lengthy journey from a small island simply southwest of Cebu, the place the well-known battle occurred. They beforehand held small batch Rum for between seven and ten years. Similar to Rye Whiskey, prolonged barrel getting older enriches Rum’s vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, mellows the profile, and provides layers of complexity to the ultimate spirit. A excessive toast profile imparts one other dimension of toffee and spice flavors.

“On the heels of Magellan’s Atlantic, it was an excellent problem to seek out the right end for probably the most particular Rye barrels in our warehouse. We have been already tracing Magellan in depth, and after we found LapuLapu’s story we knew we needed to monitor down the most effective Philippines Rum barrels we may for the sequel. Earlier than maturing rum for 7-10 years, the barrels have been coopered from American Oak and initially held bourbon. On this manner, they’ve made their very own circumnavigation from American whiskey to the Philippines, and again once more to us in Vermont,” says Meghan Eire, Blender, WhistlePig Whiskey. “The whiskey relaxation first in 7-year-old small batch Philippine Rum casks, adopted by a shorter end in 10-year-old small batch Philippine Rum casks. The older rum is darker and bolder, requiring much less time for its barrels to impart notes within the whiskey. The tip result’s an amazingly distinctive and scrumptious whiskey.”

“Like all of our boldest experiments, this one was not with out its trials,” provides Eire. “We truly tried to ship the whiskey itself around the globe to Spain, to complete within the place the place only one ship from the unique fleet lastly returned. These barrels have but to return again to us, so for probably the most daring collectors on the market, the hunt is on.”

Given its prolonged historical past and penchant for odd barrels, it’s arduous to imagine that WhistlePig hasn’t accomplished extra with rum ending. (Primarily you see it within the occasional retailer decide.) Right here it really works surprisingly properly as a complement to the punchy spice that the rye all the time has to supply as a base.

The nostril is instantly candy, all maple syrup and molasses, counterbalanced by a light-weight dusting of pepper and baking spice — mild cloves, nutmeg, and a really gentle greenery component that evokes spearmint and contemporary rosemary. Shiny and candy on the palate, the whiskey feels decidedly tropical, burnt pineapple notes and lemon peel balanced by mint tea, cinnamon, and a rolling, lingering caramel character. A observe of spiced apple emerges because the end comes alongside, a pinch of allspice, bay leaf, and inexperienced tea all lingering. Shiny, fruity, and cheerful, it’s enjoyable stuff — and ideal for the vacation season.

It will not be as insanely complicated as prior releases, nevertheless it’s arguably my favourite Boss Hog launch — no less than because the 2013 original bottling.

106.4 proof as reviewed. (Proof will range from 104.8 to 106.5 proof.)

A / $500 / whistlepigwhiskey.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]

WhistlePig “The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific” Rye Whiskey 17 Years Outdated 2021

$500

Score

9.5/10

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