Wolves Whiskey Project #1 in Collaboration with Willet 750ML

Wolves Whiskey Project #1 in Collaboration with Willett is a 750ml, 103-proof blended rye whiskey joining California aging with Kentucky distilling tradition. This limited release marks one of the first times Willett Distillery has partnered with another producer to co-create a blended whiskey, combining a 6-year Indiana-distilled rye finished in Sonoma County with Willett's own high-rye straight rye whiskey.

Quick Facts: ABV: 51.5% (103 Proof)  |  Origin: California & Kentucky, USA  |  Blended Rye Whiskey  |  Distilleries: Wolves (Sonoma County, CA) & Willett (Bardstown, KY)

Production & Heritage

This expression brings together two distinct rye whiskeys. The first component is a low-rye (51% rye mashbill) whiskey distilled in Indiana and aged six years in new American oak, then transported to Sonoma County, California, for additional maturation under Wolves' supervision. The second is a high-rye (74% rye mashbill) straight rye whiskey aged six to seven years at Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky—a family-owned operation founded in 1936 and recognized as one of the heritage distilleries of bourbon country. The final blend was bottled at cask strength without chill filtration, and each bottle features a custom cork top inspired by a baseball bat knob that is a family heirloom of Wolves co-founder Jon Buscemi.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with prominent oak and vanilla before moving into layers of black pepper, dried fruit, and butterscotch. Beneath those primary notes sit quieter floral and copper accents, with baking spice threading through the entire aromatic profile.

Taste: The palate enters with firm oak structure and rye spice, quickly joined by dried fruit sweetness and a rich vanilla tone. At mid-palate, butterscotch and angel food cake emerge alongside a persistent raisin undertone. The mouthfeel carries notable oiliness, lending weight to the 103-proof delivery without excessive heat.

Finish: The finish is medium-short, closing with warm vanilla and a gradual rise of baking spice. It leaves a clean, dry impression that invites the next sip rather than lingering excessively.

How to Drink Wolves x Willett Project #1

At 51.5% ABV, this whiskey rewards a neat pour at room temperature; a few drops of water open up the butterscotch and floral aromatics without dulling the rye backbone. For cocktail use, three strong options stand out:

• Manhattan: The dried fruit and vanilla backbone integrates seamlessly with sweet vermouth and bitters.
• Sazerac: The high rye spice and oily texture give this classic its ideal foundation of pepper and warmth.
• Old Fashioned: Oak and butterscotch notes carry through sugar and bitters without losing definition.

Best For

• Rye whiskey collectors seeking rare cross-distillery collaborations
• Gifting a Willett enthusiast something outside the standard lineup
• Side-by-side tasting sessions comparing Kentucky and California aging influences
• Adding a limited-edition conversation piece to a home bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wolves x Willett Project #1 taste like? It delivers a layered rye profile dominated by oak, dried fruit, vanilla, and butterscotch, with persistent rye spice and a raisin undertone running throughout. The mouthfeel is oily and full-bodied at 103 proof, finishing with warm vanilla and rising baking spice.

How does Wolves x Willett Project #1 compare to Willett Family Estate Rye? Willett Family Estate Rye is a single-distillery product drawn entirely from Willett's Bardstown stocks, while Wolves Project #1 blends Willett's high-rye spirit with a separate Indiana-distilled, California-aged component. The result is a broader flavor spectrum, with the Indiana rye contributing oak depth and dried fruit while the Willett component drives the peppery rye spice.

Is Wolves x Willett Project #1 good for sipping neat? Yes—the 51.5% ABV delivers substantial flavor intensity without excessive burn, and the oily texture makes it a comfortable neat pour. A small addition of water further opens the aromatic complexity.

Where is Wolves x Willett Project #1 made? It is a collaboration between Wolves, based in Sonoma County, California, and Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The blend includes Indiana-distilled whiskey that was transferred to Sonoma County for additional aging before being married with Willett-distilled rye.

What foods pair well with Wolves x Willett Project #1? Smoked brisket complements the oak and pepper notes. Aged cheddar mirrors the butterscotch richness. Dark chocolate amplifies the dried fruit undertones. Pecan pie echoes the vanilla and baking spice. Charcuterie with fig jam highlights the raisin and fruit sweetness in the blend.

What sizes does Wolves x Willett Project #1 come in? This release is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Wolves x Willett Project #1 worth the price? It positions as an ultra-premium limited release, priced above most standard rye whiskeys due to its collaboration pedigree, multi-state aging process, and small-batch production. For collectors and rye enthusiasts, the rarity of a Willett collaboration and the dual-region aging concept provide tangible value beyond the liquid alone.

Why Wolves x Willett Project #1?

The most significant differentiator here is the collaboration itself—Willett Distillery rarely partners with outside producers, making this release genuinely uncommon in the American whiskey landscape. The dual-provenance aging approach, splitting maturation between Indiana, Sonoma County, and Bardstown, creates a flavor profile that neither distillery could produce independently. At cask strength and bottled without chill filtration, the whiskey retains the full character of both components. For rye enthusiasts looking beyond single-distillery releases, this blend represents a credible and distinctive addition to the category.