Wolves Signature Blend (2022)

This version of Wolves' signature blend includes a 7-year-old whiskey made from California Pale Ale, and 6 and 7-year-old rye whiskeys with a higher rye content, plus another whiskey in the blend distilled from Stout beer, aged in used French Oak for 9 years, and bottled at 51.5% ABV. The aroma begins with a blend of rich honey-sweetened pale ale and mild hoppy bitterness, then freshly baked pumpernickel bread topped with apricot preserves, followed by lemongrass, tangerine, and nectarines, transitioning to light baking spices, spearmint, and polished oak with a moderate ethanol burn. The taste has a medium to full mouthfeel, starting with rich honey over creamy citrus that quickly shifts to mild hoppy bitterness, fading to chocolate-covered almonds and espresso, followed by lemongrass, charred pumpernickel bread topped with apricot preserves and grilled peaches, then transitioning to spearmint hard candy, mild baking spices, and polished oak with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, starting with a mild hoppy bitterness balanced by creamy citrus fruits, then fading to pumpernickel bread topped with whipped honey butter, light mocha, lemongrass, spearmint hard candy, and polished oak. This is exceptionally unique, with an aroma featuring rich honey sweetness contrasted by hoppy and rye notes along with creamy citrus that carries over to the palate, which leans slightly bitter with those hoppy and rye notes, fading quickly and finishing with a beautiful balance of hops and rye notes along with sweet citrus. At around $120+, I believe these are well worth the price as it offers something different in the current market. My thanks to a friend for the generous sample, as I probably never would have tried this otherwise.

Two whiskeys derived from beer and one rye whiskey. Combine them... what could go wrong? Plenty, if the proportions or balance aren't right. Thankfully, that's not the situation here. I sampled a small amount while preparing pours for an upcoming online tasting. This blend is quite daring, featuring an MGP rye aged in California, a stout-distilled whiskey aged 9 years in French oak, and a pale ale-distilled whiskey aged 7 years in French oak. Roughly 12,000 bottles were produced. You might expect the beer to dominate the rye, but instead, you get notes of gunpowder, grass, apples, and cardamom, all with a subtle hoppy undertone. Intriguingly, it constantly shifts; each sip offers a slightly different profile. There's a lot going on, and it's a positive experience. The only beer-derived whiskey I've had before was decent, but this is far superior with its rye balance. It's understandable why these sell out quickly; they're expensive, but truly excellent and, more importantly, distinctive. Those qualities justify a premium price for me.

The complexity is quite something, requiring thought to fully grasp! My past experience with a beer-based whiskey from a local producer was okay, but the rye here really elevates it. The rye seems to present with a strong dill note, plus some black pepper and perhaps leather. Citrus comes through from the hops. A potent, yet pleasing bitterness lingers on the back of the palate. The finish is very long and evolves, starting with more beer-like notes and ending with that dill again. An engaging whiskey I'm eager to share.

This California whiskey, a blend of rye and beer distillates, is truly one-of-a-kind. It presents a flavor profile distinct from most American whiskeys, featuring citrus, floral hops, baking spices, and milk chocolate. This is Wolves Whiskey's largest release yet and possibly their finest!

This whiskey is truly remarkable. The inventiveness in the blend is what stands out. I've never encountered a whiskey so distinctive and skillfully made. Complex tastes found nowhere else in the American Whiskey Market. A truly invigorating pour. Eager to sample more from this producer. If you find this bottle, get it immediately.

It's not one I'd regularly choose, but wow, I love the distinctiveness and inventiveness. An innovative concept, well-executed – the hops are present.