Spotlight: Whiskey+Woof Candle Atelier

Behind the Inspiration for Fresh, Ultra-Modern Candles and More

We recently spoke with Whiskey+Woof founder Coco Quill to find out all about her innovative product line and her creative process.

1. Tell us what inspired you to start Whiskey+Woof?

Originally, candle making was a hobby. I lived in London where I joined The British Bourbon Society. There were many times I was the only female at a tasting event and working in the tech sector. During a visit to NY during that time, I organized friends  to meet at a distillery and the female friends were very much into it, which stuck in my head.

After moving back to Brooklyn, I decided candlemaking was the storytelling vehicle to bring my two passions together. I did a lot of research testing different waxes, and countless fragrance, wick and vessels tests to launch with four scents – two woof, two whiskey and a fragrance.

2. You have a diverse line of products. Tell us more about them.

Candles are the core part of my business, with 22 scents in five sizes. Reed diffusers and rooms sprays have been added for those who love fresh scents but might be afraid to light a candle to refresh their space. We have a few fragrances, nail polish, and other accessories. I also make custom candles for clients.

I still dream up new ideas, such as offering whiskey candles in whiskey glasses. I had to find the right glasses and test them. It all takes time. Wax is very reactive. The diameter of the vessel, the wick, the fragrance amount and dye all affect how a candle comes together. You also have to be part chemist to know at what temperature to add fragrance, dye and when to pour the wax. It takes time to develop the right combination.

For me, the Whiskey line is the more traditional masculine-leaning scents of bourbon, musks and leather.  The Woof side is more emotionally-based on cinematic experiences with dogs, dog parents and legendary dogs. For instance, my dog’s scent is based on a walk we took on the beach, following pawprints in the sand, the ocean waves lapping on one side, seeing driftwood up ahead, and the smell of nearby rose bushes.

3. How do you decide upon the items in your product lines?

Any business will look at trends, seasons and holidays. For me, there’s also a need to create layered scents a client can’t find off the shelf from a line that’s mass-produced. Being an independent owner means an idea or opportunity comes up and changes things. For instance, last year a close friend asked me to make a lavender scent. That was not a scent I was looking to work with because there are so many options with it at all different price points readily available.

However, I did it as a birthday gift for her and put my own spin on it. My dog and I used to go to the Lavender Fields in London once a season. Looking at those photos, thinking about the surrounding trees, the neighboring flowers at the edges, is how it came to be a blend of those elements with a touch of sandalwood for whimsy.

4. Describe your process to create a new product.

It starts with the inspiration, perhaps a specific event like Christmas or a feeling. If it’s a custom scent, there’s a conversation where I ask questions and create samples. It begins with using fragrance strips, dipped in different fragrances and weaving them together. It can also start as almost a dream state of knowing what a blend is going to be in my head. That’s what happened with No. 24 Gaston.

There was a scent ready to go, but it kept me up the night before I was going to make a full batch. I went to my fragrance library and started blending. That scent was based on a date night at sunset in Venice, so the colors and smells of a blood orange sky were in my head. It was also that smell of a leather jacket when the sun goes down completely and there’s a little cuddle for warmth.

5. Have you engaged in any partnerships with other brands?

I’ve partnered with both human influencers, whiskey lovers and photographers, other female-owned entrepreneurs including Grayson, who were kind enough to have Whiskey & Woof in their influencer gifts. There’s also been a lot of pop-up partners like Kiehl’s, west elm, and John Fluevog. I’m starting to explore that again now that things are opening up. It’s always good to have that feedback in person.

6. What are your favorite products?

That’s a tough question because they are all my creation. Currently, I’m obsessed with No. 60 Coquette which is a dark rose, fig and resins scent that is romantic, flirty and dreamy. For me, No. 16 Fira, which is blood orange, bergamot, and juniper berries is transformative. I will say No. 2 Elle is always going to be a favorite because it’s inspired by my French Bulldog. My signature whiskey scent, No. 22 Sophisticate has a piece of my heart as well since it was the first scent that was fixed for launch after taking me six months to develop.

7. If we were going to give some of your products as gifts, can you give some recommendations and whom they would be perfect for?

The whiskey candles with whiskey glasses are perfect for the sustainable lifestyle lover. The glasses can be used, when done to enjoy a favorite dram.

No. 25 Brooklyn Fireside is a Palo Santo blend that is great for those who love self care and need to destress, as is the No. 1240 Santal Baby.

No. 30 Reign is for Peony lovers because that season is far too short for such a beautiful scent.

No. 17 Luxuriate in reed diffuser is perfect for that cashmere lover, who likes to cuddle up with a book under a blanket in a window seat.

No. 18 Upstato is for the lovers. Burn this when you want to make a move. That goes for most of the whiskey scents.

For those who need comfort, No. 4 Confidante is a maple bourbon that feels like home.

8. Tell us about the famous Elle and where we can follow her adventures!

My darling eleven-year-old French Bulldog Elle still enjoys her two mile walks every day. She’s modeled in the UK and Europe for brands including Lulu Guinness, Barbour, American Eagle and Japan Vogue Online amongst many others. She is a little round nugget of love and wisdom. She is my greatest companion and I love her to pieces. You can find her on Instagram @grrlgenius_ .

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