NEW YORK — A new American whiskey brand is inviting drinkers to take their next pour outside with the launch of two expressions: Wilder Heart Whiskey and Wilder Heart Cask Strength.
Co-founded by whiskey enthusiast and Whisky with a View storyteller Nate Woodruff and VCL North America, Wilder Heart blends three distinct mash bills aged a minimum of four years. The company says nothing is added to either whiskey.
The brand draws on the community developed through the Wilder Heart podcast, which shares stories of outdoor adventures, friendships and discoveries over whiskey.
“Some of the best whiskey moments don’t happen around a table,” Woodruff said. “They happen at the end of a long day outside, around a fire, with people you’ve just met.”
The flagship Wilder Heart Whiskey is bottled at 94 proof and has a suggested retail price of $44.99. The brand describes aromas of peach, apricot, brown sugar, cinnamon and orange peel. Red apple, citrus, soft vanilla and a hint of roasted marshmallow follow on the palate, with apple, lemon peel and warmth on the finish.
Wilder Heart Cask Strength is bottled at 117.5 proof for its first batch and priced at $69.99. It opens with notes of honey, cherry and blackberry, followed by tart cherry, baked apple, brown sugar and butterscotch. The finish brings dark fruit, clove, sweet oak and lingering vanilla, according to the company.
Doug Ward, Wilder Heart’s vice president of sales and strategy, said the brand aims to give whiskey drinkers a reason to try something new through both the liquid and the story behind it.
“We set out to create something with real character that brings fresh energy to American whiskey,” Ward said.
VCL North America is part of U.K.-based spirits business VCL Vintners, which specializes in cask management, maturation and independent bottling. Ward oversees Wilder Heart’s commercial strategy and day-to-day operations.
The brand has also launched Basecamp, a free community whose members can earn Trail Points through participation, including its “Sunset Pour” ritual. Points can be redeemed for gear, experiences and other rewards.
Wilder Heart said its outdoor commitment will include fire safety information, conservation education and work with local groups caring for trails, rivers and forests. The bottle design reflects that connection through mountain, river and tree details.
Preorders are available through wilderheart.com, with shipping offered to more than 40 states. The whiskeys will also be available at retail locations in Colorado, Missouri and Wyoming.
