One of the most anticipated whiskey releases each year belongs to WhistlePig and its annual The Boss Hog expression, which is now in its ninth year. The eighth edition was aged in Philippine rum casks, while the seventh edition was double-aged in Spanish oak and South American teakwood. There’s always something new to experience, and that’s no different this year.
WhistlePig The Boss Hog IX ‘Siren’s Song’ follows the brand’s Boss Hog ethos, which requires each release to be single barrel, bottled at proof, powerfully complex, and distinctly unique from anything they have done before.
In this case, straight rye whiskey is first aged in American oak and then double finished in WhistlePig’s own Greek fig nectar casks and farm-scratch tentura casks—the latter is a Greek liqueur originating in the Peloponnesian city of Patras. Both finishes were created by WhistlePig on their Vermont farm using both Greek and local ingredients, with the tentura liqueur featuring cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, orange peel, and honey.
To create the new whiskey, WhistlePig’s female whiskey makers turned to the nine ancient muses from Greek mythology.
Each bottle is sealed with a bespoke pewter topper depicting one of the nine muses and her respective art, with the full set of nine toppers randomly distributed on bottles throughout the country. The cask-strength whiskey falls between 51.3% ABV and 53.1% ABV.
The WhistlePig team visited Greece to source ingredients and learn from experts at a local tentura distillery. “We were drawn to the distinctly unique flavors of Greece and how they would interact with the bold flavor of our aged rye whiskey,” says Liz Rhoades, Head of Whiskey Development at WhistlePig.
Siren’s Song features a finish never before seen in whiskey, and that aligned with the team’s goal to make a spirit that pushes the envelope. “Our ambition to unlock the ultimate flavor complexity—and the nectar and tentura, which were new trials in and of themselves—was well worth the challenge once we landed the final product,” says Meghan Ireland, the Head Blender at WhistlePig.
WhistlePig The Boss Hog IX ‘Siren’s Song’ hits the desired mark of big and bold. On the nose, floral orange blossom jumps to the front, followed by dried fruits and honey. On the palate, there’s lots of baking spice, primarily cinnamon and clove from the tentura casks. Deep, dark cherry pops up, and hints of fig mingle with oak and rye spice. Pour a glass and prepare to stay awhile—the whiskey unlocks more flavors and develops in the glass over time.
The limited-edition whiskey is available in a 750 mL bottle and carries a suggested retail price of $599.99. It’s sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, plus online via WhistlePig’s website.
