Willett describes their Family Estate bourbon by saying,

Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon is a very unusual whiskey in many regards. The Bourbon label exists for the sole purpose of our family’s Private Barrel Selection program and is the only label of its kind in existence. It is an un-chill filtered [more commonly non-chill filtered or NCF], barrel proof, straight Bourbon Whiskey of unusual depth and complexity.

Willett Family Estate bourbon has reached cult status in the bourbon community. Partly because they exemplify craftsmanship and the spirit of the golden age of bourbon. Pappy’s well-known motto was “always fine bourbon” and Willett always makes fine bourbon.

And partly because not unlike many premium bourbon brands back in the early days, you could find Willett bourbon 20 plus years old for under $100. That endeared this craft distillery to the bourbon community and the continued quality kept them even in the midst of the bourbon market skyrocketing. That’s why you have niche bourbon groups just for lovers of Willett. That’s why there is Willett barrel decoder app. That’s why bourbon nerds show them unconditional love.

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Willett Family Estate Bourbon Mashbills

Willett Barrel Decoder

John Sinclair started a Google doc for every Willett Family Estate single barrel bottle compiled by lovers of Willett bourbon. You can also check out the WFE Pocket app for iPhone and Android for a Willett barrel decoder. Email whiskeyidrops@gmail.com to add a WFE to the list.

Willett Family Estate Bourbon 11-Years-Old Review

Think Jurassic Park mosquitos preserved in dark amber. Plus this WFE bourbon glimmers like honey in my glass. It completely coats my Glencairn whiskey glass with oily, rich bourbon. That’s always a good sign in my book.

Nose Dive – 96 Points

As I was examining this bourbon in my glass, I was picking up distinct notes of caramel, overripe berries, and musty leather-bound books. Now to put my nose in this glass. All the notes above show up. But I also get rye and hints of ethanol. The 122.2 proof shows up to the party.

Taste – 93 Points

The front palate is creamy and caramelly. The mid-palate is brown sugar and oak then you get the red peppercorn that fills the mouth and tingles the tongue.

Finish – 97 Points

The finish is lllooonnngggg. There’s an overarching oak note that’s a lush bouquet (versus a sharp single oak note s/o to Chris for helping me put a finger on the flavor). It offers just a hint of caramel at the start then it’s baking spice and black pepper and it just sticks to your bones.

Verdict – Gold 95 out of 100 Points

The aged Willett Family Estate bourbons I’ve tasted share something with the great Booker’s batches I’ve loved. They’re big and bold. They’re consistent from nose to finish. This single barrel doesn’t disappoint.

The WFE Bourbon 11-years-old reviewed was provided by Brad McKay from my local bourbon group. Thank you.

Willett 6-Year-Old High Rye Bourbon Review

OK, don’t throw stones. Technically, this Willett high rye bourbon isn’t a family estate label. It’s a Pursuit Spirits Single Barrel private label, but my goal is to review each of the Willett mashbills, so here we go. First thing I notice? The color is dark for a 6-year bourbon. It’s dark rust. It’s also got good viscosity with long legs.

Nose – 94 out of 100 Points

The nose presents some alcohol followed by warming baking spice. This Willett High Rye bourbon reminds me of a warm cinnamon bun with raisin, walnuts, and cinnamon glaze. I also pick up just a hint of orange zest.

Taste – 95 out of 100 Points

This drinks like a high rye bourbon. The entire palate warms like an easy bake oven. I pick up charred cinnamon, walnuts, toasted oak, and clove. This is a baking spice bomb.

Finish – 93 out of 100 Points

This finish is long. It’s surprisingly not hot but as with the nose and palate baking spice is the star.

Complexity – 92 out of 100 Points

It’s a high rye bourbon so the baking spice is expected but I did find myself longing for more deep, rich caramel. That would have taken this high rye Willett bourbon out of the atmosphere.

Value – 93 out of 100 Points

This was $114.99. Overall, high for a 6-year-old bourbon but reasonable for a Willett bourbon.

Verdict – Gold 93.4 out of 100 Points

At the 4 to 6 year range, you start to tell those playing for a World Series from those who just playing the game. Some distilleries struggle to produce great gold-rated whiskey in the 4 to 6-year range and others are hitting dingers over the Green Monster. Willett hits dingers all day long.

Willett Family Estate High Corn Bourbon Review

Full Review Coming Soon

Willett Family Estate Wheated Bourbon Review

Full Review Coming Soon

Chef Sean Brock and Master Distiller of Willett Distillery Drew Kulsveen

Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories for your journey. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.