Small-batch bourbon has never been more popular, but very few are capable of making it. Wild Boar Bourbon is one of those rare bottles that consistently surprises both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors. It has been developed with a very careful selection of grain, the distillation process and barrel aging and has a flavor character that would stand out amongst the nutty myriad of boutique American whiskey. I have sampled dozens of similar spirits and as a long-time fan and a shop owner, Wild Boar is one that I would recommend with authenticity.
A Distillation Process Built on Precision
The majority of small-batches are based on copper stills, although the nature of Wild Boar starts with the heat and cut management of the distillers. Instead, they continue at a slower speed, letting the mash build up more sweetness and after that the spirit flows into the still. Each batch is distilled in a careful manner paying attention to temperature stability, instead of rushing the process, thus producing a cleaner separation of heads, hearts and tails.
This precision produces a spirit that emerges smoother from the still one of the first things that sets Wild Boar Bourbon apart. It is more a question of clarity where larger brands place emphasis on volume and Wild Boar emphasizes on fewer harsh compounds, structure and deeper foundation on aging. Even fans of ready-to-drink options like wild boar drink cans or simple bourbon and cola pairings notice the cleaner finish.
Flavor Notes That Showcase True Small-Batch Character
The layered flavor profile is what actually attracts whiskey drinkers towards this bourbon. Wild Boar does not try to be simple; in contrast to the mass-market bottles designed to be unobtrusive to everyone. Every drink will bring out the combination of traditional bourbon sweetness and unique rustic flavor.
Key Flavor Notes:
Caramel and vanilla of toasted American oak.
Spicy Hot, imagine spice, nutmeg, and clove.
Mid-palate development of stone fruit hints.
Grain toasted and bringing balance minus bitterness.
There was a tincture of smokiness, slight but sweet.
The bourbon really stands out at the finish. Wild Boar Bourbon does not have a sharp cut at the end, but fades softly with some remnant oak and touch of sweetness that encourages one to pour another glass. It's a profile that works beautifully neat, on the rocks, or mixed with light cola for drinkers who enjoy a smoother bourbon and cola option.
Aging That Elevates Every Batch
Aging of the bourbon is necessary to all the bourbons, but how Wild Boar manages its barrels is what makes the end product superior. The distillery uses American white oak barrels with a medium-plus char, which is optimal in extracting a deeper sugar and spice flavor throughout the years. However, the actual point of distinction is the location of the aging.
The barrels are kept in a climate area with natural changes of temperatures, hot days, cold nights, that drives the spirit deeper into the wood. This is termed as thermal cycling which enhances the development of flavors without impairing the structure. Slowly, over a number of years Wild Boar acquires layers of depth that a number of small-batch whiskeys, which are young, cannot possibly follow.
Each bottle is mixed in small amounts thus leaving the master distiller with the ability to balance all the flavor components. This kind of hands-on barrel management is why Wild Boar Bourbon maintains its consistency despite being produced on a smaller scale.
How It Compares to Other Small-Batch Whiskeys
Numerous small-batch bourbons nowadays are pursuing a trend of ultra-high proof or harsh impact of wood. Wild Boar does not follow that path, it values harmony. Rather than bombarding the palate, it creates a constructive flavor sequence that is attractive to both the new bourbon drinkers and the experienced tasters.
It is also distinct due to its versatility. You can have it straight and add coat after coat of complexity or pour it into a mixer and still find a notable character, which not all small-batch bourbons can boast. Even fans of wild boar drink ready-to-enjoy mixers notice how well the core spirit shines through without losing smoothness.
Final Thoughts
When you are trying out the world of the boutique whiskey, Wild Boar Bourbon should be on your front shelf. Its considered distillation, active aging process and the stratification of flavours all combine to create a bourbon which will really stand out. And to those of us who might wish to increase our whiskey collection, or sample new small-batch products, you will find a well-considered selection, including Wild Boar, on tap at Harry's liquor, where no product will get a suggestion it does not merit, as to quality and artisanship.