While we love getting into the spirit of snow sports each winter, we really come to the slopes for the après ski after a long day out in the cold. And now, there’s an even better way to get your post-snow day beverage. Parlor Skis has teamed up with WhistlePig Whiskey to create The Boss Hog Skis, a whiskey lover’s dream package to make the most out of every trip to the mountain.
After meeting on the slopes last season, the makers at Parlor Skis and WhistlePig decided they needed to collaborate on a project. They looked to the past and were inspired by folks who used to break down whiskey barrels and strap the staves to their feet for a DIY way to get a downhill thrill during big snowfalls. The concept was originally meant as an internal project — Parlor was going to create custom-made skis for the WhistlePig team from the barrel staves that housed their most exclusive whiskey, The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve. But as the plan came to fruition, they decided that the product was too special to keep all for themselves.
The sidewall of these limited edition skis are made from barrel staves that once housed The Boss Hog V. If you’re unfamiliar with the expression, it’s a 13-year-old barrel strength rye whiskey that was finished in calvados (apple brandy) casks to honor WhistlePig’s pet pig Mauve and her love for apples. Its piquant nose has notes of rye and baking spices and is creamy on the palate with flavors of maple syrup, pears, and dark chocolate. This whiskey is a true stunner, but at about $500 a bottle, it’s pretty out of reach for most.
If you’re into skiing and whiskey, though, you can snag one of the 25 Boss Hog Ski sets, which includes the custom-made skis and a bottle of The Boss Hog V: The Spirit of Mauve. The whole thing costs $2,000, which is actually kind of a steal when you consider the price tag of the whiskey itself. You can learn more about the Boss Hog Ski package online or purchase one of your own at WhistlePig’s Stowe, Vermont tasting room.