Willett Family Estate Small Batch is a four-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon from the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, a blend of two classic Willett family mash bills bottled at cask strength, here 125 proof (62.5% ABV).
The two mash bills are a high-corn recipe of 72% corn, 13% rye and 15% malted barley, which provides the sweetness and caramel foundation, and a high-rye recipe of 52% corn, 38% rye and 10% malted barley, which adds spice and structure. Both enter new charred American oak barrels at 125 proof.
Each batch is crafted under the guidance of Master Distiller and fifth-generation whiskey maker Drew Kulsveen, who sets the final bottling proof, which varies by batch. The Small Batch sits between Willett's core expressions and the single barrel Family Estate programme, bringing the family's purple-top style to a repeatable bourbon.
The nose offers warm vanilla, caramel and brown sugar, the palate sweet corn, butterscotch and cinnamon, and the finish is long and complex with oak, pepper and toffee. It makes a fine gift for bourbon collectors.
Sip it neat, then add a little water to taste.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Warm vanilla, caramel and brown sugar.
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Palate: Sweet corn, butterscotch and cinnamon.
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Finish: Long, with oak, pepper and toffee.
Specifications
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Producer: Willett Distillery (Kentucky Bourbon Distillers)
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Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, cask strength
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Mash Bill: 72/13/15 and 52/38/10 corn/rye/malted barley
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Age: 4 years
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Proof / ABV: 125 proof (62.5% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: New charred American oak
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Region: Bardstown, Kentucky, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, then add a little water to open it up. It pairs with pecan pie, smoked brisket or a cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the mash bills?
A high-corn 72/13/15 and a high-rye 52/38/10 (corn/rye/malted barley).
Who makes it?
Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen at the Willett Distillery in Bardstown.
Does the proof vary?
Yes, bottling proof varies by batch; this bottle is 125 proof.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
