This Father's Day, Drink The Whiskey From TV's Most ‘Shameless' Dad

Forbes

10-06-2025

William H. Macy is Woody Creek's "spokesdude."
Woody Creek Distillers
You never need an excuse to pick up a bottle of whiskey, whether it's for you or someone else. But certain occasions lend themselves to such an activity, like Father's Day, when you can show some appreciation for the man who helped give you life by giving him a bottle of the good stuff.
There are myriad options for gifting this year, including plenty of great bourbons and other fine spirits. But save yourself some time perusing bottles at the liquor store, and go with the whiskey that was hand-selected by actor William H. Macy. He's portrayed some iconic characters over the years, from the car salesman turned comically inept criminal Jerry Lundegaard in 'Fargo' to notorious TV father Frank Gallagher of 'Shameless.' And while his on-screen work might not give him a whiskey pedigree, his work in the actual whiskey business does.
William H. Macy (he prefers 'Bill') joined Woody Creek Distillers in 2018. The partnership was organic—he and his wife are neighbors with distillery founders Patrick and Mary Scanlan. Macy serves as the brand's official "spokesdude,' but he takes a more active role than most spirits-involved celebrities. That includes hosting events, talking shop and serenading guests with his trusty ukulele. It also means helping to hand-pick the barrels that make up Woody Creek Distillers William H. Macy Reserve, a bottled in bond, 10-year-old straight rye whiskey.
Woody Creek recently put out the second edition of this rye, which retails for $199 and is available online, at the brand's distillery in Basalt, Colorado, and at select retailers.
William H Macy joined Woody Creek in 2018.
Adam Bove
'I know there are other great spirits, but I am saying there are none better,' Macy said about his eponymous whiskey at a recent event. 'And I'll also say there are a whole lot that are worse.'
Macy's 'Shameless' character Frank Gallagher was not a discerning drinker, but when I asked Macy if he'd share his William H. Macy Reserve with the fictional dad, he said:
'Frank was the most horrible TV father in the history of horrible TV fathers. But Frank maintained that there was always something in life to celebrate, and that it was incumbent on us to always be ready to celebrate it.' A bottle of whiskey certainly helps in all celebratory matters.
The decade that Woody Creek William H. Macy Reserve spent in barrels adds plenty of oak-influenced flavors, as expected, but the barrels don't mask the fruity, spicy character of the 100% rye mashbill. The whiskey shows aromas of clove and cinnamon up front, followed by apples, dried fruit, nuts and honey on the palate. The finish brings hints of spice and mild smoke. It's an easy sipper from beginning to end, with lots of flavor packed into the 100-proof spirit. There's no need to reach for anything besides a glass or maybe some ice, but the rye also works nicely in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
For the record, Macy thinks that TV's best dad was Jim Anderson of 'Father Knows Best,' calling him 'kind and reasonable and steady.' If your dad exhibits any of those traits, treat him to a bottle of William H. Macy Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey. Better yet, suggest that you two pop the top together, so you can also get a taste of what's inside.
William H Macy Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey
Woody Creek Distillers