Crafting Southern Flavor
After pairing up on February 15, 2025, Willie Mae's NOLA and Hardhide Whiskey have introduced bold new flavors that are sending waves of flavor across the Big Easy. This collaboration features their signature crispy golden-brown wings, now enhanced with a peach-marinated, aged whiskey glaze, available for a limited time at their NOLA restaurant.
Kerry Seaton Stewart, Willie Mae's great-granddaughter and current proprietor, stated: "Our executive chef spent a bit of time perfecting this glaze. The challenge was maintaining our chicken's signature texture while incorporating the whiskey's depth. We established a relationship with Hardhide during the launch of our new location and John pitched this idea, we tried it and it's become a hit."
John Eason of Sidewalk Side Spirits added, "This isn't just a flavor combination—it's a cultural exchange. The whiskey imparts flavorful notes that complement the chicken's savory profile, while the peach brightens the entire experience with a touch of Southern sweetness."
About Willie Mae's
Since its founding in 1957, Willie Mae's Scotch House has received the James Beard Award and has been recognized as "America's Best Fried Chicken" by Food Network and Bon Appetit. Their 70-year-old recipe balances cayenne, fine spices, and echoes sweetness through each bite of their crispy chicken. On November 8, 2024, Willie Mae's reopened their doors in a new downtown location on 898 Baronne St., named Willie Mae's NOLA, after a tragic fire in April of 2023.
Although no longer in the historic Treme neighborhood, the new restaurant still carries the legacy of being celebrated as the best fried chicken in America at their Los Angeles and New Orleans locations.
What To Expect
When you walk into the restaurant prepare to be greeted by their beloved hostess and serenaded with the smell of Southern fried chicken. Their is an elegance in the atmosphere with their high ceilings, wooden decor, and ever so dim lighting. There's a comfort to the restaurant that makes you want to stay a while.
The bold new collaboration between icons has bewitched the culinary world with their peach whiskey glaze. The wings are located on their dinner menu under party wings, as the "Hardhide Peach Glaze" option. The dish begins with Willie Mae's iconic wet-battered wings, then tossed in a glaze made from Hardhide's Peach Whiskey, reduced with brown sugar, lemon zest, and a touch of chili for heat. The result is a sticky, aromatic coating that balances smoky whiskey depth with juicy peach sweetness. Finally, it is topped with a delicious peach chutney to echo the notes of peach within the glaze. Think mango habanero wings with slightly less heat, but all of the bite.
Based on previous special releases, Willie Mae's expects the Hardhide Peach Whiskey Wings to sell out daily during the initial launch period.
"When we've done limited releases in the past, we've seen lines forming before opening," noted Stewart. "There's something about exclusivity that resonates with food enthusiasts. We're preparing for similar enthusiasm with this release."
A Southern Match Made In Heaven
Hardhide's Peach Whiskey is made with local ingredients and is distilled at Sugarfield Distillery located in Gonzales, Louisiana. They take pride in giving back to the community by supporting groups such as Toups Family Meal. Hardhide Whiskey specializes in fruit-infused whiskeys made with local ingredients.
"Both our brands are deeply rooted in Louisiana's cultural fabric," said Eason. "It made sense to ensure this collaboration gives back to the community that has supported us."
The New Orleans-based craft spirits has partnered previously with Willie Mae's by adding "Sitting On The Porch," a blend of iced tea, mint syrup, lemon juice, and Hardhide Peach Whiskey to their handcrafted cocktails menu. This collaboration is a delightful celebration of Southern cuisine, showcasing its rich flavors and traditions. Be sure to stop by to try their limited edition wings while they last!
More Info
Willie Mae's is open Wednesday through Monday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and they are closed on Tuesdays. For more information or to book a reservation, visit their website.
