Willett Wheated 8 Year is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon distilled by the Willett Distillery in Bardstown and bottled at 108 proof. It is made from a mash of 65% corn, 20% wheat and 15% malted barley, entered into #4 char barrels at 115 proof, and bottled without chill filtration.
Willett is one of Kentucky's most celebrated family distilleries, best known for its rye and high-rye bourbons, and this release showcases its wheated recipe. The first batches were distilled in early spring 2013, and the whiskey was left in the barrel until the distillers judged it ready. Its tall black bottle with a purple capsule sets it apart from Willett's familiar pot-still decanter.
Wheat in place of rye gives a softer, creamier bourbon. On the nose come caramel, vanilla bean, cornbread and baking spice over toasted oak, with dates, prunes and apricot. The palate is rich with honey, dried fruits and nutmeg, melded with wheat-driven creaminess and subtle cocoa, and the texture coats the whole tongue with caramel, honey, fruit and butter. The finish is lingering and warming, with oak spice, vanilla custard and a touch of chocolate.
It is a superb bottle for lovers of wheated bourbon and a fine gift for any Willett collector.
Released in limited quantities, it is a rare chance to taste Willett's wheated recipe at full maturity.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Caramel, vanilla bean, cornbread, baking spice, dates and apricot.
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Palate: Honey, dried fruit, nutmeg, wheat creaminess and subtle cocoa.
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Finish: Lingering and warming, with oak spice, vanilla custard and chocolate.
Specifications
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Producer: Willett Distillery
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Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, wheated
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Age: 8 years (label statement)
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Proof / ABV: 108 proof (54% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: #4 char barrels; mash bill 65% corn, 20% wheat, 15% malted barley
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Region: Bardstown, Kentucky, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a few drops of water to open the custard and fruit. It pairs with pecan pie, bread pudding or a mild cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mash bill?
65% corn, 20% wheat and 15% malted barley.
Is it chill filtered?
No. It is bottled without chill filtration.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 108 proof, or 54% ABV.
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