WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu's Pacific

Taste- 2 oz neat in rocks glass at Cornerstone Tap in Lemont IL. Nose- sweet candied orange, baker's chocolate, all-spice, and clove. Palate is rich with a deliciously good viscosity. This is one to really sink your teeth into. Upon entry I get a big pop of spice which then quickly is balanced by sweeter fruit flavors, maple sugar, and candied orange chocolate almost like the fruit jellys you get in a World's Finest Assortment box. There is also something herbal going on as well, like musty black tea or perhaps some drying tobacco. Its a nice sip. Finish- is long and perhaps a tad too sweet. Definately get the rum here. It lingers on the palate and then fades to milk chocolate. Overall- this is a delicious finished rye. It has a lot going on. Sweet, herbal, spicy, rich are all words that come to mind. Here is the rub though- is it that much better or different than Angel's Envy Finished Rye? My answer in a word- no. I did not find $400 of anything better vs AE finished rye. I found a tad more punch, a few more layers, but it was in that ball park. I was lucky to run into a bar or bartender who didnt know what they had, or was simply being overly kind to a customer at $25.00 for a 2 oz. neat pour. I wouldnt splurge for anything more above that price to be honest. Good dram? Yes. A have to have? No

The nose is deep but not spicy, opening with brown sugar, vanilla, and a pleasant floral note. First sip comes off sweet when it hits the tongue but has a slight rye spice on the end. Maple syrup, small hints of cinnamon, and citrus are present. I’m leaning towards orange zest and lemon. It’s a little hotter swishing on the palate, but still incredibly balanced. The finish doesn’t linger too much but leaves a silky mouthfeel with some rye spice kicking about.

Beautiful balance of sweet rum like and spicy rye like flavors. Nose: Molasses, Spearmint, Oranges, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Milk Chocolate, Root Beer, White Chocolate, Cherries, Jordan Almonds Palate: Cloves, Vanilla, Cherries, Oranges, Honey, Dark Chocolate, Oak, Chili Peppers, Maple Syrup, Guava Finish: Root Beer, Cloves, Vanilla, Dill, Cinnamon, Peaches, Cherries, Hazlenuts, Nutmeg

The Boss Hog VII is one of my all time favorites so far his has a lot to live up to. Molasses, alcohol vapors and spices permeate the aroma. Fully body with nice balance of molasses, spices, smoke and pepper. Finish is smooth and lingering with some heat. Very delicious, but not quite as good as the previous version.

Had a bit more heat than I expected but great finish. After opening it mellowed. Need to pour and wait before drinking

Delicious nose 5/5 Very tasty mouthfilling pour 5/5 Finish is long and very good 4/5