Oscar-nominated, two-time Emmy Award winning actor William H. Macy is stepping back into the spirits world with the release of the third edition of his reserve rye whiskey, created in collaboration with Woody Creek Distillers.
The limited release arrives May 15, marking the latest chapter in a partnership that leans as much on patience and craft as it does on name recognition.
Set against the backdrop of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the distillery has built its reputation on a ground-up approach — sourcing local grains, milling on site and overseeing every step from fermentation to bottling. That same attention to detail carries into the new release, a 10-year, bottled in bond rye drawn from a carefully selected five barrel blend.
The barrels were chosen through a blind tasting led by Macy alongside head of distillation Stephen Julander, co-founders Mary and Pat Scanlan and spirits industry veteran Sean Kenyon. The resulting whiskey balances depth and structure, reflecting both the region where it was produced and the collaborative process behind it.
To celebrate the release, Macy hosted an intimate dinner at Soho House West Hollywood. Guests, including his wife, Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winning actress Felicity Huffman were among the first to taste the new expression. The evening blended the feel of a private gathering with the structure of a launch, offering a closer look at the spirit through both pours and cocktails.
Drinks included a Martini Americano made with Woody Creek vodka, a Smoked Old Fashion featuring the rye, a citrus-forward Mary’s Highball and a Palisades Sour built on the brand’s bourbon. The menu leaned more into comfort and ease offering smoked salmon, baked chicken drizzled in lemon, sautéed broccolini and roasted potatoes — ending with a warm chocolate chip cookie served with ice cream.
William H. Macy leads a toast celebrating the release of Woody Creek’s Reserve Rye Third Edition
Photo credit: The Knockturnal
At one point, Macy raised a glass to offer a toast. “The architects of culture — may your work be as honest as this pour, may your nights be as smooth as this rye,” he said. “Cheers to the art of distilling and the wonder of good company.”
The night eventually gave way to something more personal. Picking up a ukulele, Macy performed a series of songs he said he began writing for his family in recent years.
William H. Macy performs on ukulele celebrating the release of his Woody Creek Reserve Rye
Photo credit: The Knockturnal
“I started writing songs on ukulele a couple years ago, mostly for my wife and two daughters,” he said. “Luckily they seemed to like it just as much as I did, so now it’s become a part of my life.”
The set, equal parts heartfelt and humorous, included songs about bedtime routines, the perfect Old Fashioned and, at his wife’s request, his affection for “crazy women.” As he wrapped, Macy brought the focus back to the spirit at the center of the evening.
“Everything is better when you have a nice glass of rye and a ukulele,” he said. “I don’t just love this rye — I live it.”
(Photo by Woody Creek Distillers)
For Macy, whose career has spanned decades across film, television and theater, the release feels like a continuation of a long-standing interest, rather than a side project. In an industry increasingly crowded with celebrity backed labels, this partnership stands apart by focusing on craftsmanship and intention over name recognition.
