Willett Pot Still Reserve
$50
Willett – Pot Still Reserve
Proof: 94
Age: No Age Statement
Distillery: Willett Distillery
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: Unknown
Website: Willett Distillery
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Caramel, with a touch of Rye Spice and Vanilla.
Taste/Palate: Lemongrass pulls through to the palate with a bit of zest. Youthful notes of Light Caramel, very Mild Oak, and Rye Spice.
Finish: The Spice fades and leaves behind a very sweet finish. Buttery and very similar to a Caramel Chew.
Verdict: This one delivers Sweet, Spice, and some Citrus. The age statement is unknown, but it presents itself as 5 years at the most (my opinion). Some say it’s aged 6-8 years. It’s well balanced from a flavor perspective, but it’s rough around the edges in delivery.
The Story: Hey look a cool looking bottle… That was my exact thought when I first saw Willett Pot Still Reserve on the shelf 8 years ago. I quickly found it took up a lot of shelf space and it just didn’t deliver on it’s $50 price tag. The bourbon market has seen an obvious price hike within the last 5 years and the Willett MSRP is very close to what it was 8 years ago when I first purchased. In that regard the value score has increased. I will also say that this bottle that I currently have I enjoy it much more than the bottle that I had 8 years ago. I have read that Willett previously sourced their Pot Still Reserve and now it’s in house. I have no idea if the bottle I previously tried many many moons ago was locally distilled or sourced. Many hunt for this bottle. I don’t think it has to do with taste as much as it has to do with elusiveness. The Willett distillery is very small considering some of it’s neighbors in Kentucky. For that reason Willett products are hard to find.
The Distillery’s Story: With a family history in spirits. Willett Distillery was officially founded in 1936 by “Lambert” Willett. Willett started it’s brand with Old Bardstown and followed up with Johnny Drum. In the 1990’s Rowan’s Creek, Noah’s Mill, and Pure Kentucky were released. In 2008 Willett Family Estate Bourbon and Rye offerings are introduced. In 2008 Willett Pot Still Reserve hits the market. 2012 is when the brand became serious in my opinion. They stepped outside their classic offerings and started down the avenue of Barrel Strength offerings with varying age statements.
I love some of the classic Willett Brands, but if you happen to find yourself in front of an illusive “purple top” there’s a good chance you’re in for a treat.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
Click Image for About Us Page