As the year speeds to its end, I was going through my bottles to find something different to try. A distinctive bourbon shaped like a pot still immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist trying it. A reasonably unknown bourbon in South Africa, the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey bottle has a unique shape which drew my eye.
The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon is a creation from the Willett Distillery, owned by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD). Although the name indicates distillers, they only started focusing on distilling whiskey (again) in 2012.
Distilling ran in the Willet’s blood. John David Willett (born 1841) had been the master distiller for the Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery. From there, the company moved through various generations of Willett’s until the early 1980s, when the distillery closed down. Subsequently, the company shifted its focus to independent bottling.
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In 2008, the company initially introduced the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey as a single-barrel release. The first batches were sourced from an undisclosed distillery, and bourbon enthusiasts have speculated that it likely originated from the nearby Heaven Hill Distillery, with the liquid ageing for approximately 8-10 years.
A significant turning point occurred in 2012 when the Willett Distillery underwent a revamp and started producing its own spirit. The description on the bottle changed from single barrel to small batch in 2015. According to Willett, each small batch of their bourbon incorporates around 12 barrels, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.
While Willett’s journey into producing their bourbon is clear, some mysteries still surround their mash bill and the extent to which they’ve fully transitioned to their own product. Online sources suggest that the mash bill comprises a mix of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley.
The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey is a non-age statement (NAS) release and is defined as a straight Kentucky bourbon, which means it must have aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels. The distinctive pot-still-shaped bottle piqued my curiosity, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Review
I have bottle 174 of 2101 from single barrel no. 4809. I assume that this is an older release and contain liquid from the unspecified distillery.
REGION: USA
ABV: 47%
COLOUR: Light amber
NOSE: The nose greets you with typical bourbon vanilla and cherry notes, accompanied by woody and spicy aromas. A delightful brown sugar sweetness intertwines with hints of dry orange blossoms, creating an inviting bouquet. While not the most complex, the nose is undeniably pleasant.
PALATE: As you take your first sip, the Willett bourbon reveals its spicy character with pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Dark brown sugar mingles with creamy oak and a herby undertone. Vanilla hides behind the cloves, with subtle citrus peel notes and ripe red cherries.
A tobacco-like chewiness lurks in the background. Adding a few drops of water tempers the spice and alcohol heat, allowing the brown sugar sweetness to come to the front.
FINISH: The medium-length finish leaves you with notes of oak, vanilla, and a touch of lemon pepper.
RATING: VERY GOOD
While it may lean towards the spicier side, it’s essential to remember that individual taste preferences vary. I found the Willet Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey slightly too spicy for my sweeter palate, while John thoroughly enjoyed its unique character.
It may not be the most complex bourbon, but it offers a smooth and drinkable experience. The bottle’s elaborate design adds a distinctive touch to my whiskey collection.
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