Willett Bourbon – Review

Willett Pot Still Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

94 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Willett Distillery

Background

I wrote a post a long time ago about the difference between single barrel and small batch whiskeys.  I mentioned how single barrel whiskeys are just that – poured from a single barrel, not blended with other barrels.  Willett takes it a step further with its Pot Still Reserve Bourbon.  They tell you the exact barrel and bottle number you are receiving.  The whiskey I am reviewing is from bottle 242 of 289 out of barrel number 3781.  Therefore, my interpretation of this whiskey may be marginally different than what I may interpret from your bottle.  Keep that in mind while reading this, and any other single barrel whiskey reviews.

Review

The nose on Willett starts out with oatmeal, and a good amount of rye.  There’s also sweet honey, maple, anise seed, and mint.  This nose is very complex and intriguing.

My first thought on the taste is that it’s very similar to Angel’s Envy…only much better.  Willett’s higher proof brings along a little more rye and spiciness.  There’s an interesting pot still characteristic without the typical Irish influence.  A fellow blogger (Sour Mash Manifesto) detects “buttered popcorn” in Willett’s taste, and surprisingly, it’s absolutely there!

The finish is sweet and sugary.  A little maple syrup rounds out a long-lasting finish.

Rating & Recommendations

Willett Bourbon is a very nice whiskey, earning an 85 out of 100.

This is one bourbon that is probably more interesting to nose than taste, but still very good.  Would recommend to anybody looking to spice things up.

-Ryan