WhistlePig The Boss Hog II Spirit of Mortimer

Description

Released in 2014, The Boss Hog II: Spirit of Mortimer is a pivotal chapter in the history of ultra-premium American whiskey. This release is dedicated to the memory of Mortimer, WhistlePig’s cherished Kune Kune mascot pig who tragically passed away defending the farm’s gilts.

To honor his memory, late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell selected only the top 50 barrels of the distillery’s oldest stock. This release also introduced a beloved tradition that continues to define the line to this day: the iconic hand-finished pewter bottle stopper. For this edition, Mortimer is depicted with wings, giving collectors their first-ever “flying pig” topper.

The Liquid

Like the inaugural first edition, Spirit of Mortimer is celebrated for its absolute purity. Before WhistlePig began finishing their oldest ryes in exotic barrels from around the globe, they focused strictly on the harmony between well-aged 100% rye grain and fresh, heavily charred American white oak. Matured for nearly 14 years, this single-barrel expression is bottled completely unfiltered and uncut at full cask strength, capturing the raw, concentrated intensity of the spirit.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Remarkably rich and complex. Warm baking spices, cinnamon, and nutmeg are heavily layered with toasted coconut, vanilla bean, and sweet maple syrup, balanced by seasoned oak.

• Palate: Big, oily, and intensely flavorful. The classic peppery kick of old rye is immediately met with sweet butterscotch, dark chocolate, ginger, and caramelized orange peel.

• Finish: Monumentally long and dry. It leaves a lingering warmth of cloves, deep charred oak tannins, a whisper of mint, and a comforting butterscotch sweetness.

Why It’s a Collector’s Dream

As the second oldest bottle in the Boss Hog lineup, Spirit of Mortimer is exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors seeking to complete their 1–8 or 1–10 sets. Because it was released in 2014 in extremely limited quantities, pristine bottles with intact tags and original boxes are highly prized and increasingly difficult to find on the secondary market.