The American whiskey market has been yearning for something new, something exciting to disrupt the repetitive landscape of expensive, uninspiring bottles. Enter Hogsworth, a brand poised to change the game. Launched by Raj Peter Bhakta, the visionary entrepreneur behind the renowned WhistlePig Whiskey and BHAKTA Spirits, Hogsworth is set to bring a fresh perspective to American whiskey lovers who are ready for something bold, unique, and packed with value. With its first release, Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9, Bhakta aims to offer an extraordinary blend of American bourbon and French Armagnac at a price that belies its quality.
Image credit: Hogsworth
Raj Peter Bhakta's Vision: The Man Behind the Hog
Raj Peter Bhakta has always been known for shaking things up. From his days creating WhistlePig—an American rye whiskey that achieved massive success—to his more recent ventures, Bhakta has consistently brought innovation to the spirits world. After selling WhistlePig and cutting ties with the brand, Bhakta didn't lose his passion for creating great whiskey. In fact, he remained fascinated by pigs, using them as a symbol in his branding and marketing, often in eccentric ways that captured the public’s attention. Whether he’s parading pigs down New York’s 5th Avenue or using them as mascots in his marketing, Bhakta has always found a way to blend humor and high-quality products.
Hogsworth represents the culmination of this approach. It’s not just another whiskey on the shelf; it’s a statement against the overpriced, overhyped bottles that dominate today’s market. Bhakta's goal is simple: make great whiskey accessible to everyone, without sacrificing complexity or age.
Image credit: Hogsworth
Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9: A Unique Combination
What sets Hogsworth apart from the typical bourbons and whiskeys flooding the market is its unusual but brilliant combination of bourbon whiskey and Armagnac—a type of brandy that comes from the Gascony region of France. Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9 is composed of 52% bourbon from 2019 and 48% Armagnac from several vintages, including 1982, 2010, and 2012. This blend brings together the robust character of American bourbon and the refined, rich qualities of aged French Armagnac.
Image credit: Hogsworth
The average age of the whiskey in this blend is 9.4 years, giving it a depth of flavor and complexity that's hard to find in this price range. Bhakta has made sure that Hogsworth isn't just another bourbon on the shelf—it’s a new experience, offering whiskey drinkers something they haven’t tried before.
Image credit: Hogsworth
The Limited Edition Release
Hogsworth’s first release, Batch 1 Blend #9, will be available as a limited edition, sold exclusively online. With only 1,700 sets released, this is sure to be a highly sought-after bottle, especially considering the pedigree behind its creation. Each limited edition set includes three bottles, and consumers can choose from three distinct label designs: Modern Farm, Vintage Women, and Historical Pigures (a clever play on words). These labels were designed with the help of fashion photographer Carter Berg, who captured both the hog and human models after an extensive search in the Vermont woodlands.
At a price of $50 per bottle, the Hogsworth release represents a phenomenal value for collectors and whiskey aficionados alike. Given the blend’s age and quality, it’s a bargain compared to other high-end spirits that often cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In fact, some of Bhakta’s earlier creations, like the WhistlePig Boss Hog bottlings, have skyrocketed in value, with early bottles now selling for up to $20,000. With such a track record, Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9 may quickly become a collector’s item, especially given its limited release.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
For whiskey lovers curious about the flavor profile of Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9, the blend offers a delightful journey through sweet, spicy, and rich notes. On the nose, you’ll pick up hints of honey, crème brûlée, and baking spices, combined with the unique snap of ginger. The palate follows with flavors of chai, green apple, black pepper, and a zesty burst of orange, creating a complex yet balanced drinking experience. The finish lingers with oak spice, marmalade, and vanilla bean, giving the whiskey a smooth yet impactful conclusion—much like a firm handshake that leaves a lasting impression.
This isn’t just another bourbon for casual sipping. It’s a whiskey for those who appreciate layers of flavor and the stories behind the bottle.
A Nod to Fairness: Hogsworth’s Mission
While Hogsworth is an undeniably premium product, its pricing strategy shows a commitment to fairness. At $50 a bottle, Bhakta’s goal is to provide a spirit that offers deep age, complexity, and collectability without the hefty price tags seen on many similar products. Bhakta has made it clear that he sees this as a way to balance the scales in an industry that often caters to the elite while leaving the average consumer out in the cold.
By offering a product with components like 1982 Armagnac—an expensive and rare ingredient typically found in bottles costing upwards of $300—Hogsworth spreads the wealth in a way that benefits everyday whiskey drinkers. Bhakta’s “Robin Hood” approach to spirits is designed to give consumers more value without the markup that’s become all too common in the whiskey world.
A Shakeup in the Spirits Aisle
In a market crowded with overpriced bottles and repetitive brands, Hogsworth Batch 1 Blend #9 is a breath of fresh air. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation, of American bourbon and French Armagnac, all wrapped up in a package that offers collectors and drinkers something truly special. With Bhakta at the helm, Hogsworth isn’t just another whiskey—it’s a brand with a mission to challenge the status quo, deliver exceptional value, and remind consumers that great whiskey should be within everyone’s reach.
So, if you’re tired of the same old bottles and looking for something new to add to your collection, it might be time to "get your Hogsworth." With only 1,700 limited edition sets available, this is one release that whiskey fans won’t want to miss. Buy it now!
