Wolves x Willett Returns

Wolves Whiskey has built a reputation for doing things differently. Founded in California by creative minds from both the design and spirits worlds, their releases are often small in number, high in character, and always memorable. Instead of following the playbook, Wolves thrives on collaborations and innovation, bringing a modern edge to classic whiskey traditions.

Wolves’ partnership with Willett has quickly become one of the most anticipated collaborative projects in American whiskey. Now in its third release, this expression blends the California personality of Wolves with the deep Kentucky roots of Willett Family Estate Rye. Bottled at 103 proof, and aged for 10-years, Batch 3 is an excellent rye that punches above its proof.

The nose is juicy and inviting with an intriguing mix of orange sherbet, caramel sauce, raspberry jam, dark brown sugar and oak spice. 
 
The palate drinks rich and coating for its 103 proof, wrapping around the sides of the tongue with dense fruitiness, beautiful tobacco, and these candies spices that are like a more peppery Mizunara-esque profile. 
 
The finish shakes some of the more zesty spices found on the palate for Juicy Fruit gum, vanilla, and caramel creaminess, as it slowly fades with balanced oak and sugary gingerbread cookie. 

Beyond their collaborations, Wolves has been quietly exploring the growing category of American single malt. This 5-year-old release shows a side of Wolves that is both delicate and layered, reminding us that malt whiskey in the U.S. has a promising future. Aged for 5-years in California wine barrels under Arizona heat before being blended and finished in aged Cognac casks, for those curious about American single malt, this is a great entry point.

The nose is light and delicate, reminiscent of a highlands scotch with its floral bouquet, honey, caramel, stone fruit and green apple. The more you sit with it the deeper it grows, and the more caramel and dried apricot comes out. Beautiful.
 
The palate has a beautiful progression from first sip toward the finish. Plush raspberry, fig, raisin, dried apricot, and plump honey lay thick on the tongue. 
 
The finish is lightly spiced and shows more red fruits from the barrel influence, growing gently coating and dry as it tapers effortless into spiced pear cider. 
 
Both releases are now available in limited quantities at Seelbach’s, so grab your bottle while you can.