Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! 2 – The White Port Wolf Review

Distillery: Distilled in Indiana. Bottled by Filmland Spirits—Frankfurt, KY

Proof: 94.0 (47.0% ABV)

Age: At least seven years

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

MSRP: $65

---

Don’t Let the Fangs Fool You—This Wolf Walks with Grace

Filmland Spirits, the team behind the scenes continues to prove they know how to make—and finish—serious whiskey with a fun pulp fiction angle attached to it.  Moonlight Mayhem! 2 – The White Port Wolf is the brand’s latest limited-edition release, featuring a seven-year-old straight bourbon finished in white port casks and bottled at 94 proof.

White port is rarely used as a finishing barrel, which makes this bottle unique.  The secondary barrel’s influence brings with it floral notes, gentle fruit and a lighter profile than expressions that use tawny port barrels.  

When paired with a high-rye bourbon base, the resulting expression feels both creative and reserved.  Released in late May 2025 with limited availability, this bottle brings a much-welcomed departure from the louder, sweeter, and higher proof secondary finishes that seem to be crowding the current market.

Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! 2 – The White Port Wolf Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.25/5

• Notes:  Opening notes include white grapes with earthy tones, vanilla wafer, licorice.  There’s a slight oakiness but you’ll need to dig deep to find it.
• Strengths:  An inviting profile that stays away from the overripe notes can be present in tawny port finishes.  Well balanced fruit and spice.  A complexity that improves with ample time in the glass.
• Why It’s Not Higher:  Some might find the Nose too gentle or muted, especially if they’re expecting a bold port-driven character.  Limited oak depth compared to higher-proof or older offerings
• Rating Justification:  The white port finish creates a graceful Nose that doesn’t “announce” itself with force.  The nuance that is present along with a balance of sweet and spice leads to a strong rating.

Palate – 4/5

• Notes:  Sweet Lemon (jam-like), almond, white chocolate, cereal grains.  The mouthfeel is soft.  Delivers a honey sweetness up front with a light citrus zing at mid-Palate.
• Strengths:  Creamy mouthfeel.  High rye content shines through despite the finishing barrel influence.
• Why It’s Not Higher:  White chocolate and light citrus zing tends to dominate, muting the expected oak and caramel notes.  May come across as too delicate.
• Rating Justification:  The Palate is a highlight with its harmony of sweet and savory elements.  It isn’t flashy, but it’s confident—and that earns it a solid placement.

Finish – 3.75/5

• Notes:  Grassy,  mint, roasted nuts, white pepper, and dry oak.  The Finish begins on the sweeter side, then gradually shifts into herbal, nutty territory before a dry fade.
• Strengths:  The Finis is a pleasant progression from fruit to light.  Mint and pepper linger just enough to be inviting.
• Why It’s Not Higher:  It fades a bit quicker than the Nose and Palate suggest.  The port notes fall off rapidly.
• Rating Justification:  The Finish is well-executed but lacks staying power.  It does its job without undermining the sip.  But the strong Nose and Palate set up higher expectations that the Finish just doesn’t quite deliver.

Value – 4/5

• At $65, this is a high value limited release with a distinctive secondary finish and a seven-year age statement.  The price point puts in squarely in the premium but accessible zone—less expensive than some cask-strength competitors, yet clearly a step up from generic sourced bourbon.
• Strengths:  A unique finish.  Age and maturity deliver a good Nose and Palate without the need to hide behind high proof.  Approachable price point for an experimental finish.
• Why It’s Not Higher:  While well-executed, the bottle may lack the “wow” factor or flavor density that drinkers may expect at this price.  Proof is modest, which may limit the appeal to those who prioritize boldness or age beyond seven years.
• Rating Justification:  This is a very fair price for a limited, age-stated secondary finish bourbon.  It’s rare to find this kind of craft finish and aging without a higher markup.  The Value is enhanced by drinkability and a clear identity.

Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem! 2 – The White Port Wolf Review: The Verdict

Moonlight Mayhem! 2 – The White Port Wolf brings fruit notes, a gentle sweetness, and some floral nuance, while the base bourbon has enough structure and spice to hold it all together.

At 94 proof, it doesn’t chase intensity.  Instead, this is a bottle that leans toward quiet appreciation rather than demanding attention.  And while it may not be built for shock value, it’s a confident, well-crafted release that shows the benefits of intentional finishing.

While it doesn’t push into all-time territory, there is creative maturity and a distinctiveness here.  Gold, no question.

Verdict – 4/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3