WhistlePig Unveils The Boss Hog XIII: The Golden Pharaoh
WhistlePig has announced The Boss Hog XIII: The Golden Pharaoh, the newest entry in its annual limited Boss Hog series. It is a straight rye whiskey finished in barrels seasoned with Egyptian black honey and tiger nuts, a finish the brand calls a world's first. It is also the first Boss Hog to have a presale.
The Release
The Golden Pharaoh starts as straight rye aged in new American oak. From there it moves into barrels seasoned with Egyptian black honey and tiger nuts for a finish WhistlePig says has not been done before.
The idea came from an old recipe for tiger nut cake, found on an ancient tomb thousands of years old. WhistlePig says that makes this the first Boss Hog to originate from Africa. Head Blender Meghan Ireland has said the team learned that tiger nuts and black honey were "a true taste of the Egyptian land and its people." The team then recreated the recipe on the distillery's farm before building the finish around those flavors.
As with every Boss Hog, the bottle is meant to meet the series' "Five Promises": single barrel, bottled at proof, powerfully complex, distinctly unique, and "Stupendous!" Because each bottle comes from a single barrel at barrel strength, proof varies from bottle to bottle.
According to WhistlePig, as reported by One More Dram, the nose shows brown sugar, cinnamon and toasted almond with a pastry-like warmth. The palate moves from molasses to honey and baking spice.
Breaking Bourbon lists the whiskey as carrying no age statement, with an undisclosed mash bill, sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery or distilleries.
Presale began September 9, a first for the series. The nationwide launch followed in late September. BevNet gives the date as September 29, while the copy of the release on Breaking Bourbon says September 30. It is sold at The Vault in Kentucky, on WhistlePig's website, and through bars, restaurants and retailers.
The Story of WhistlePig
WhistlePig is a Vermont whiskey brand that focuses mainly on rye. According to Wikipedia, entrepreneur Raj Bhakta bought the land for the distillery in 2007, and the brand launched in 2010.
The distillery sits in Shoreham, Vermont, and is not open to the public. It runs two 750 gallon pot stills. The property is a 500 acre farm that was once a dairy operation about 150 years old. Roughly 300 acres grow rye, about 200 hold maple trees for syrup, and the rest covers corn, barley, oak trees and livestock including pigs, sheep, goats, horses and bees.
The brand's pig mascot comes from real animals. Two Kunekune pigs, Mortimer Junior and Orwell, live on the property. The two stills are named for the original pigs, Mortimer and Mauve.
Why It Stands Out
Honey and nut finishes are not unusual in whiskey, but this one is built on a specific historical recipe rather than a familiar wine or spirits cask. The presale is also a notable change for a series that collectors usually chase at launch. At around $600, it sits firmly in the ultra-premium tier.
The Details
Style: Straight rye whiskey, single barrel
Age: No age statement
ABV/Proof: Varies by barrel. Sources report roughly 102.6 to 105.6 proof (about 51.3% to 52.8% ABV), and WhistlePig reportedly has not posted one standard proof
Mash Bill: Undisclosed
Cask/Finish: New American oak, then finished in barrels seasoned with Egyptian black honey and tiger nuts
Price (SRP): About $600 (reported as $599, $599.99 and $600 for 750 mL)
Availability: The Vault in Kentucky, WhistlePig's website, and select bars, restaurants and retailers
Release Date: Presale began September 9, 2026. Nationwide launch Sept. 29 or 30, depending on the source
Tonights Poison Take
The Golden Pharaoh has a more interesting backstory than most limited rye releases, and the honey and tiger nut finish gives it a clear identity within the Boss Hog lineup. The price is steep and the sourcing and mash bill are undisclosed, so this is for collectors and fans of the series rather than a casual buy. Check the proof on any bottle you find, since it will differ from barrel to barrel.
Please enjoy responsibly.
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