Whiskey Review: Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Film Review: Werewolves Within (2021), The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)

Werewolves represent a gorgeous and grotesque symbolism of isolation and metamorphosis. While there’s nothing more natural than a carnivorous animal tearing through flesh, a man doing the same to another man is undoubtedly considered “evil.” So, what happens when the natural world of predator and prey meets the consciousness of humanity? Blood, carnage, and horror, of course.

The effect of transformation during full moons in the cinematic world’s werewolves exist ranges from incredible (Oscar-winner Rick Baker’s work in An American Werewolf in London) to CGI-tragic (bless you Wes, but Cursed exists in one of the more dismal times of digital effects). But ultimately, for myself, it’s the often-gothic aesthetic and rich character development that make a really great werewolf film.

Today’s double feature of Werewolves Within (2021) and The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) is perfectly paired with Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon. I had a plethora of films to choose from, but as I am so often inclined, I wanted to feature independent films that may not be as conventional or widely known. These two films are violent, hilarious, and have a ton of darkly comedic and wickedly mean heart.

Werewolves Within, directed by Josh Ruben (Scare Me) and written by Mishna Wolff is adapted from a popular video game and stars Sam Richardson (I Think You Should Leave) and Milana Vayntrub (Silicon Valley) leading a powerhouse ensemble cast of comedic actors. Richardson plays forest ranger Finn Wheeler, a fish out of water assigned to Beaverfield, a small town in the midst of a fight against corporate greed and a fierce werewolf.

Ruben shows a deft hand at horror comedy while directing the extra-large cast of zany characters who tiptoe along the line of caricature but never cross over. Teasing a romance between Finn and Vayntrub’s mail carrier Cecily highlights a sweetness in Finn that flirts with “nice guy” territory but in a clueless, forgivable way. Once the mayhem really kicks off and bodies begin to drop, Finn must command the kind of respect that he isn’t accustomed to if anyone hopes to get out alive. Werewolves Within moves quick and has a sharp tongue, and the setting of Beaverfield in the wintertime is a perfect shade of white for all that red, red bloodshed.

Speaking of snow, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, written and directed by Jim Cummings, is equal parts investigation into small town werewolf lore after a series of murders, and tumble from sobriety by John Marshall (Cummings), the sheriff tasked to investigate.

I want to acknowledge the irony of this Whiskey & Horror review site covering a film that deals so significantly with the relapse of its main character, but I love this film so much and hope that Cummings won’t mind. There’s an impressive sense of self-deprecation and accountability that’s written into the character of John Marshall, somehow strengthened the deeper Marshall delves into his addiction during his failing investigation. The Wolf of Snow Hollow is edgier in its horror comedy and is one of the funniest films I’ve seen in a minute, even with the brutal murders of its (maybe?) werewolf killer.

Cummings, with the handsome aloofness and slick hair of a 1940s movie star and his own canine-like teeth, steals the show with undeniably brilliant comedic timing. His hapless small-town cop carries the burden of being tasked with fighting against superstitions and uncovering the truth while wrestling with his alcoholism, insubordination from those around him, and the kind of loneliness that bites deeper than the cold nights in Snow Hollow.

I recommend pairing Werewolves Within and The Wolf of Snow Hollow with Filmland Spirits as the films capture a kind of old-timey aesthetic that reminds me of the classic genre films that Filmland Spirits honors, while offering a satisfying smattering of blood and gore.

I reviewed two Filmland Spirits expressions for The Whiskey Wash last year, but Moonlight Mayhem! Is by far my favorite to date. The Double Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, is aged for 4 years in American White Oak, and is bottled at 47% ABV (94 Proof). As great as the whiskey tastes, it’s the storytelling and artistic integrity of the brand that I’m drawn to.

Filmland Spirits starts each whiskey expression with a story inspired by classic B-movie concepts, and Moonlight Mayhem! depicts a wolfed-out Romeo & Juliet tragic romance between small-town good guy Tommy and Sylvane, a young woman with a dark family secret. The Filmland Spirits website is incredible, featuring storyboards, scripts, and movie trailers for each expression.

I highly recommend exploring the site and, of course, grabbing a bottle of Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon for yourself. At an SRP of $54.99, this is an amazing bourbon to share with friends during your Double Feature pairing on the night of a full moon!

Film Rating:
Werewolves Within 💀 💀 💀 💀/5
The Wolf of Snow Hollow 💀 💀 💀 💀.5/5

Tasting Notes: Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Aesthetic: A delightful light golden hue, with thin legs that move swiftly down the glass.

Nose: Oaky and mellow, with aromas of freshly cut stem and sweetness of golden raisin. Cherry and cocoa come through as well, though slighter.

Palate: Superb for the price range, and for lower ABV it is a strong spirit with a clear voice. Bitter, earthy grassy notes, along with light brown sugar, peach, oats – cobbler elements that are perfectly spring/summer vibes. There are savory notes of coriander, with a long finish and the perfect balance of sweetness for my particular palate.

Whiskey Rating: 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃/5

**This whiskey was provided as a review sample by those who created and released it. My reviews are my own, and I tell it how I taste it.**