WhistlePig’s New Whiskey Is the Best ‘Boss Hog’ Ever — and a Must-Try for Fans of Spicy Food

WhistlePig The Boss Hog XII has been unveiled. (Photo: WhistlePig Whiskey)

On WhistlePig Whiskey has announced the 12th edition in its limited Boss Hog series, The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame, a rye whiskey finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels — a first in the category.

The release marks the latest chapter in WhistlePig’s annual exploration of global cask finishes, this time drawing inspiration from ancient Aztec drinks pulque and xocolatl.

According to WhistlePig Head Blender Meghan Ireland, the idea for Feather & Flame came after a visit to central Mexico, where the team discovered the bold flavors of pulque and xocolatl.

Pulque is made from fermenting sap from the agave plant. It’s traditional in central Mexico and has a milky appearance.

A precursor to hot chocolate, xocolatl is an ancient beverage with a rich history. It’s traditionally made from ground cocoa beans and water, often flavored with spices including chili.

“Pulque and xocolatl are two powerful flavors in central Mexico,” Ireland said in a news release “Pulque’s continuous fermentation process means it has to be consumed quickly before it spoils, and xocolatl doesn’t match what most people think of as ‘chocolate.’ We embraced the strength and power of the flavors and created the world’s first whiskey finished in pulque curado de cacao barrels to bring a rich, savory, aromatic and earthy elevation to the complex character of rye whiskey.”

After aging for an undisclosed period of time in new American oak, this whiskey is finished in barrels seasoned with pulque curado, which WhistlePig made from agave, cacao and a blend of Mexican chiltepín, guajillo and pasilla peppers.

Bottled between 104.8 and 108.4 proof, WhistlePig Boss Hog XII will be available beginning Oct. 23 at WhistlePig’s new Louisville, Kentucky location, The Vault, and select retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price is $599.99 per 750-milliliter bottle.

Each bottle is topped with a pewter stopper depicting a feathered pig deity inspired by Aztec mythology, crafted by Danforth Pewter in Vermont. The packaging includes 12 unique box panels depicting the edition’s origin story and NFC-enabled authentication on the back label.

The Boss Hog XII: Feather & Flame follows a decade of limited Boss Hog releases that have incorporated experimental cask finishes, earning the line a reputation among collectors and a dedicated following among enthusiasts.

We were lucky enough to get an early taste of the new Boss Hog, and we adored it. Click here to read our full rave review.