WhistlePig The Boss Hog III The Independent Straight Rye Whiskey

10 years. Single barrel. Barrel strength. The third edition of WhistlePig's Boss Hog series — The Independent — named as a tribute to the independent American spirit personified by Thomas Jefferson and the founding generation. No box.

The WhistlePig Boss Hog series is the distillery's annual limited single barrel program — each edition a concept-driven, barrel-strength expression that pushes beyond the standard WhistlePig lineup. Where WhistlePig 10 Year is a consistent, refined expression, the Boss Hog series delivers single barrel intensity: higher proof, uncut, no dilution, and a specific thematic identity for each edition.

Boss Hog III: The Independent takes its name and spirit from the American founding era. The liquid itself is a 10-year Vermont straight rye whiskey — WhistlePig's signature Canadian-sourced, Vermont-matured rye at its most concentrated and individual. At barrel strength, the rye's natural spice, dried fruit, and grain complexity are delivered without the softening that standard proofing introduces. The Boss Hog IV (Black Prince) was awarded Best In Show Whiskey at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; The Independent preceded it as the third edition in this acclaimed series.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich amber from 10 years of Vermont maturation.
• Nose: Bold rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla — the single barrel character asserting itself at barrel strength.
• Palate: Powerful and complex — rye grain spice, dried fruit, and warm oak from a decade of aging delivered at full intensity.
• Finish: Long and spice-forward — the Boss Hog series hallmark of a finish that rewards patience.

Specs

• Distillery: WhistlePig Farm, Shoreham, Vermont
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Age: 10 years
• Bottling: Single barrel, barrel strength
• Edition: Boss Hog III — The Independent
• Note: No box included
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full WhistlePig collection or browse all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Boss Hog series? WhistlePig's annual single barrel limited release program — each edition concept-driven, barrel strength, and thematically named. The series has run from Boss Hog I (Spice Dancer) through Boss Hog VIII (Lapulapu's Pacific). Each is produced in single barrel quantities and not restocked.
• How does Boss Hog III compare to the acclaimed Boss Hog IV? Boss Hog IV Black Prince won Best In Show Whiskey at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — one of the most significant competition wins in recent American rye history. The Independent (III) preceded it; both share the Boss Hog single barrel, barrel strength program. The IV is more widely cited; the III carries the charm of a pre-fame edition.
• Why is no box included? Some Boss Hog editions were sold without original boxes, reducing the presentation but not the liquid. This is noted for collector transparency.
• Is Boss Hog III still available? In limited quantities. All Boss Hog editions are single barrel and strictly limited — not restocked once sold out.