Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 12 year

Part of a tasting of four while out. An incredible bargain at $35 for the group. Began with pot still, then 7yr rye, followed by family estate 12 and 13y. All four were in identical glasses. The 12y was bottled at 118.8 proof. The aroma on this was subtle given the proof and didn't stray far from pot still (both a welcome surprise and a disappointment simultaneously). Abundant warm rye bread but with brown sugar, anise, and mint that the pot still lacks. The palate is more of the same, with a bit of barrel char introduced along with brown butter and more brown sugar. Compared to the 13y, this had less intensity and was missing some vanilla/cinnamon elements that truly made the 13y the highlight of the evening. I would likely rank the 7y rye second, followed by the 12y and then the pot still. Considering I can afford none of these bottles apart from the pot still, I might pour the latter and add a splash of a specific bourbon and hope for the best... In summary, if you appreciate the rye bread and herbal tea foundation that has earned a devoted following for Willett, you'll enjoy all of these if you can locate them. I won't discuss the price beyond acknowledging it can become excessive, but to each their own. Cheers!

An exceptional, well-rounded Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged 12 years in new American oak by Willett Distillery in Kentucky. It begins with spice, featuring notes of cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, rye, the sweetness of canned pear, cherry, raspberry, and freshly cut oak. Its mid-palate is creamy, offering flavors of syrupy canned pears, caramel, and honey, leading to a lengthy, warming finish with hints of fruit, butterscotch, baking spices, vanilla, and mint. August / December 2018 / January 2019 / August 2022

This is arguably one of the most singular bottles I have had the privilege to sample. It is intensely rich, featuring tart notes such as cherry and citrus, yet it possesses a very enduring sweet finish with flavors I cannot precisely identify. A definite must-have for enthusiasts of whiskey.

Willett, we meet again. A friend's cherished bottle, now half gone and likely opened for over 6 years, I'd estimate. Unlike the 12 year I previously had, this one came with the following details: Barrel 779 Proof 120.6 Bottle 57/96 (meaning

Spearmint with a floral character and a subtle tobacco finish

This was the 8 year, with the purple foil. A really nice flavor.