The Boss Hog series aims to explore the boundaries of rye whiskey. The Boss Hog VIII is a blend of straight rye whiskey that was aged for almost 18 years in new American oak barrels, then transferred to small batch Philippine Rum casks aged 7 and 10 years for further maturation. This whiskey is named after Lapu-Lapu, who famously defeated Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines on April 27, 1521. The whiskey is bottled at 104 proof.
TASTING NOTES;
The whiskey exhibits aromas of rum raisin, followed by overripe tropical fruits, molasses, and kola nuts. On the palate, there is a significant influence of rum, with flavors of dark brown sugar, cinnamon, cashews, grilled pineapples, as well as bitter notes of coffee grounds and baker's chocolate. The whiskey finishes dry, with a strong initial heat, followed by astringent oak, cedar, leather, and spicy rye, menthol, and orange peel.