The Whiskey Lifestyle was on hand for the recent launch of WhistlePig Rye Whiskey’s The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve last week at New York’s posh Turret Penthouse at The Beekman. And from the drams we had, WhistlePig fans won’t be disappointed and Mauve, one of the brand’s founding celebrity pigs, would be proud.
As the biggest and best expression of WhistlePig, The Boss Hog is only produced when they 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 Boss Hog V targets the senses with a unique balance between sweet and spiced flavors and a fine balance between American power and French sophistication.
As the fifth edition of The Boss Hog, The Spirit of Mauve is a celebration of Mauve, who passed away this past Valentine’s Day. Mauve’s lover, Mortimer, was tragically killed defending her honor in 2014, and was memorialized in The Boss Hog II: The Spirit of Mortimer. Mauve persevered for the sake of their son, Mortimer Jr. but likely died of a broken heart. The Spirit of Mauve is a 13 Year Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Calvados Casks in honor of her 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), which was named Best in Show at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The Boss Hog III: The Independent (2015), the aforementioned Boss Hog II: The Spirit of Mortimer (2014) and The Boss Hog (2013). This newest edition is bottled at barrel proof and the suggested retail price is $499.99.
