Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$485.00
Last November, the Nicholas Wines faithful and the whiskey world alike mourned the loss of the Boss Hog himself– Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell. Those lucky enough to attend the Whistle Pig dinner a few years back got to witness the brilliance, intelligence and talent of my friend, who was fondly referred to in the Spirits world as the Johnny Appleseed of craft distilling. A loss that monumental rightfully shook the tiny Vermont Rye distillery, who in picking up the pieces now run day-to-day operations with a new mantra, WWDD? (What would Dave do?)
When we offered last year’s Boss Hog V: “Spirit of the Mauve”, it certainly felt like the last ‘Boss Hog’ bottling from the scorching-hot, cult distillery that earned ‘Best Whiskey in the World’ honors in 2017. But we were surprised if not a little bit reluctant when we saw that they released one this year sans the Boss Hog himself. That was until I tasted it.
Dave always said that the only way he would do a ‘Boss Hog’ bottling at Whistle Pig was if his “five promises” were kept. Those promises were as follows:
1. Single Barrel
2. Bottled at Barrel Proof
3. Powerfully Complex
4. Distinctly Unique from Anything They had Previously Done
5. Extraordinary Quality. Better than Anything Else They Made.
The ‘Samurai Scientist’ Edition Boss Hog is the first ever American Whiskey finished in Japanese Umeshu Barrels. The result of this fusion between the two worlds is insane- it is unlike any whiskey I have ever tasted in my life.
The name ‘Samurai Scientist’ comes from the Japanese chemist, Jōkichi Takamine who pioneered koji fermentation in the American whiskey industry over a century ago. The Rye was the result of a partnership between Whistle Pig and Kitaya Brewery on Kyushu Island in Japan. It’s bursting with aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, tobacco and s’mores. It’s savory with oak and baking spice flavors and a wonderful, lingering finish that mixes smooth, vanilla oak flavors with a savory umami note. Bottled somewhere between 120 and 122 proof this exceptional Rye probably fits best in its own category all together. Perfect for the serious Whiskey collector ONLY and guaranteed to be unlike any other bottle that currently sits on your shelf.
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Perfect for the serious Whiskey collector ONLY and guaranteed to be unlike any other bottle that currently sits on your shelf.
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Sip slowly on its own for only the most special of occasions
93 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
This is a Nicholas Faithful favorite. Even though it’s technically a non-vintage it was last disgorged in the 2020 vintage. La Cravantine, is a sparkling rosé of 100% Cabernet Franc, bone-dry, super fresh and with bubbles so tiny and fine, it puts most “real” Champagne to shame. Appealing strawberry and mineral scents are encased in a firm structure with a dry and spicy quality in the palate. This wine is incredibly versatile – perfect with just about any fish, fried food, or do like I do and enjoy it on it’s own.
Our third single barrel of Whistle Pig and the first time we have our hands on their 6-year PiggyBack bottling. This one leads with a nose of freshly baked pumpernickel bread, butterscotch and toffee. On the palate, I get a lot of citrus & peach with a touch of lavender & black cherry. The finish here is strong & long with spicy dried fruits and caramel notes that linger. This one was distilled in house in Vermont, and as anyone can tell you with the farm releases, they always deliver the best of punches. This one comes in at 109.8 Proof.
We’re nearing the end of what was a flawlessly crafted, high energy coastal Chardonnay release from one of California’s hottest spots. It’s still every bit as bright and refreshing as you could want and it hits with clean, pristine green apple fruits, pears and citrus notes with a hint of that limestone-influenced minerality. It’s a fantastic wine for all seasons, the perfect pair with mixed seafood, summer tomatoes, corn and freshly caught fish.
95 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 94 Points,Wine Spectator
Robert Parker, Jr. gave it 95 points and called it “one of the finest Warre’s I’ve ever tasted” and “a profound example of Warre vintage port.” Additionally, “Tasters should take note of the wealth of peppery, licorice-scented and flavored raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Look for it to be ready to drink in 10-12 years, and keep for 30+.”
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