Pure Kentucky XO

I sampled Pure Kentucky for the first time at a bar yesterday. It had an impressive aroma, and from the initial taste, I was very pleased. Consequently, I immediately purchased the last bottle available at one of my usual stores... Color: Medium amber. Nose: A sweet aroma with notes of leather and molasses. Palate: (Consumed with an ice cube) A slight burn on the first few sips, but it quickly subsides. Flavors of sweet corn and chocolate – reminiscent of "hot cocoa mix powder." I don't believe I've encountered that specific note in any of the numerous bottles I've previously tried. I enjoy it! Hints of holiday spices emerge as the ice melts. Added 11/16/24: Crisp apple notes on the palate tonight. Excellent! Finish: To be perfectly honest, I'm never quite sure what to say about the finish. I'd describe it as medium-length, with the holiday spices being the most prominent characteristic. I do concur with a previous reviewer regarding the lack of significant complexity for a 12-year expression (I initially assumed it was a 10-year). However, make no mistake – a 12-year at this price point? It's an obvious choice. This has turned out to be possibly the most pleasant surprise bottle of 2024. As mentioned, I secured the final bottle remaining on the shelf. Apparently, this is quite difficult to find. So, if you spot it, purchase it without hesitation. Among the Willett offerings I've sampled (Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, Pot Still, and this one), I rank Pure Kentucky clearly as number 2, surpassed only by Noah's Mill. A solid 4-star rating. I will certainly buy it again.

Amber tones highlight a dark copper appearance. It coats the glass, leaving minimal legs. The aroma is rich: leather and oak with hints of vanilla and eucalyptus. It evokes a well-stocked humidor... Clearly Willet... It immediately brought to mind Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. It's gentle on the palate, though not full-bodied. The initial sweetness is quickly balanced by a spicy warmth and dry oak that approaches a pleasant bitterness. Pipe tobacco, dark salted caramel, and milk chocolate come to mind. The finish is of medium duration and straightforward, yet layered... The herbal/medicinal quality reappears briefly before fading into lingering spice and aged dry hardwood notes. A few drops of water soften and mellow it slightly. This offers exceptional value. At $42 per bottle, it's good enough for a repeat purchase!

Nose: Offers spices, spearmint, and traditional oak and leather notes. The 107 proof presents minimal burn. Taste: Spicy yet pleasant, not overly hot. Traditional spices are prominent at the front. The finish is quite nice, with a classic caramel and oak profile. Overall: This bottling has both positive and negative aspects, but the good outweighs the bad. A 12-year age statement for a $50 bottle represents excellent value. However, for a 12-year-old bourbon, it lacks significant complexity. While I appreciate Willett, I find Johnny Drum to be a better option at a similar price point. Locating this bottle can be challenging, so if you encounter it, I recommend purchasing it and giving it a try. At this price, there's little to lose.

Occasionally, friends provide exceptional blind tastings. Other times, they are the worst. This sample was part of a blind set from a friend. Nose: Frankly, it smells like the bottom of a sweaty gym bag. I'm hesitant to taste it, but I must provide a review to identify it. Palate: Exhibits vegetal bitterness. As I swirled it, I detected hints of black licorice, but upon swallowing, I recoiled from the unmistakable taste of canned green bean juice. I've only encountered this note in one other spirit, and this must be pure Kentucky. Finish: Regret. Score: 6.9/100

Another fantastic bottle from Willett distillery! The aroma has tobacco and oak, with very subtle hints of spearmint and smoke/barrel char. The taste is exceptional: abundant layers of molasses, vanilla, creme brule, and toasted caramel (a touch of coconut?) that is full-bodied with a long finish. Pure Kentucky is scarce, but acquire it when you find it and hopefully at a good price! Visit the Willett distillery (where this bottle was obtained) and buy several. A truly, truly delightful bourbon that can serve as a digestif/dessert on its own. 🙂

This bourbon must be opened the day before and then let sit out for three months after sealing it again. Otherwise, a metallic note is present in the taste. Once aired out, the nose offers notes of caramel, wood, cigar tobacco, and baking spices. The initial taste is sweet, with flavors of scorched wood and cinnamon. The finish has allspice, cinnamon, and cigar tobacco. The metallic taste persists in the background even after six months. Quite unpleasant for a bourbon at this cost.