At the confluence of the North, South, & Main branches of the Chicago River, you will find a historically significant area of the city called “Wolf Point.”

Wolf Point was central to the early development of Chicago, from its humble beginnings as a settlement in the late 18th century to its incorporation as a city in 1837.

It was home to the city’s first tavern, theater, trans-river bridge, and much more. The true origin of the name “Wolf Point” is unknown, with three prevailing theories:

• Theory 1 | The first theory ties the name to a Potawatomi Chief named "Moa-Way," meaning "Wolf." The Potawatomi, known as "Keepers of the Sacred Fire," settled in the area in the 1690s, using Wolf Point as a strategic fur trading hub with the French. The region was abundant in wild onions, which the Potawatomi called "Shegagosh," the origin of the name "Chicago."

• Theory 2 | The second theory connects the name to a tavern established in 1828 on the river's west bank. Managed by William Walters in 1833, the tavern became known as "Wolf Point" after Walters hung a wolf sign, reportedly honoring a previous landlord's victory over a wolf that had attacked their meat house.

• Theory 3 | The third theory credits a soldier stationed at Fort Dearborn in the early 1800s with naming the area after observing wolves gathering nearby at night. Fort Dearborn, built in 1803 and destroyed in 1812 during the War of 1812, was later rebuilt and stood until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In 1939, Chicago added a star to its flag in honor of Fort Dearborn.

All three theories are represented on each bank of the Chicago River, with Theory 2 as the main focal point of our Small Batch Rye. The Wolf is in position to invade the tavern on the west bank of the river.

The label “rotates” between the theories, with Theory 1 highlighted on our Single Barrel Bourbon, and Theory 3 on our upcoming bourbon blend release.

A modern blend with mellow undertones paired with a light peppery finish.

96% Rye | 4% Malted Barley
48% Alcohol by Volume (96 proof)

Available sizes: 750ml