Willett Pot Still Reserve is a small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon from Willett Distilling in Bardstown, Kentucky, bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV) in one of the most recognizable bottles in American whiskey.
The bottle is no accident: its shape is a deliberate reference to the copper pot still used at the Willett Distilling Company. The Willett family has been making whiskey in Bardstown since the 1930s, and the Pot Still Reserve earned a Gold Medal for taste and a Double Gold Medal for design at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The nose is vanilla lemon cake, and the palate is a balance of caramel, vanilla, spices and citrus. Its opulent bottle and approachable profile have made it a favorite gift bourbon for years.
It is an instantly recognizable gift for any bourbon lover's shelf.
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.
The pot-still bottle has become a favorite display piece on home bars.
Bardstown is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, home to several historic distilleries.
At 94 proof, it has enough strength for cocktails while staying smooth when sipped neat.
A splash of water brings out the lemon and vanilla.
Many fans keep the empty bottle as a decanter or lamp base.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Vanilla lemon cake.
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Palate: Caramel, vanilla, spices and citrus.
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Character: Balanced and approachable.
Specifications
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Distillery: Willett, Bardstown, Kentucky
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Style: Small batch Kentucky straight bourbon
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Proof / ABV: 94 proof (47% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on a large cube, or mix a Manhattan or Whiskey Sour. It pairs with lemon pound cake, pecan pie or smoked brisket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the bottle shaped that way?
It references the copper pot still used at Willett.
Where is it made?
Bardstown, Kentucky.
What does it taste like?
Vanilla lemon cake, caramel, spice and citrus.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
