WhistlePig reveals latest in superhero rye collection

WhistlePig has revealed its eighth edition of its superhero rye collection in the UK: The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific.

The latest release has aged for nearly 18 years in new American Oak barrels then double finished in high toast barrels that previously held Philippine rum.

The producers have described the expression as having aromas of vanilla, with notes of ground cinnamon and citrus zest on the palate and a rich finish.

The title of the release is inspired by the Filipino here of the same name from the 16^th century.

Meghan Ireland, Whistlepig’s blender, said: On the heels and success of Magellan’s Atlantic, it was a great challenge to find the perfect finish for the most special Rye barrels in our warehouse. We were already tracing Magellan in depth, and when we discovered LapuLapu’s story we knew we had to track down the best Philippines Rum barrels we could for the sequel. Before naturing Rum for 7-10 years, the barrels were coopered from American Oak and originally held bourbon. In this way they’ve made their own circumnavigation from American whiskey to the Philippines and back again to us in Vermont.

“Like all of our boldest experiments, this one was not without its trials. We actually attempted to send the whiskey itself around the world to Spain, to finish in the place where just one ship from the original fleet finally returned. Those barrels have yet to come back to us, so for the most daring collection out there, the hunt is on.”

The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific is available this month from specialist retailers at an RRP of £675.

3 July 2023 - Bradley Weir