Willett Bottles

[spun_cookie]

A quick look did not show a single spot for all of the Willett bottles that have been made. We have a bunch for Turkey and others, but I thought it would be fun to pull a list of the Willetts dating back as far as anyone might know.

The Four I have are:
Name, Bottled for or Name, Distiller, Proof, Number of Bottles:

Willett 27yr, Binnys Bottling, SW, 138.6 proof, 24 bottles
Willett 25yr, BevMo Bottling, UnK, 90.2 proof, 96 bottles
Willett 7yr, Old Fuss & Feathers, UnK, 121.4 proof, 186 bottles
Willett 6yr, Pear Tree, UnK, 122.4 proof, 180 bottles

Let the list begin...

[barturtle]

Willett 22yo Rye 136.7 Doug Philips
Willett 22yo Rye #2 136.7 Doug and ?
Willett 4yo Bourbon 126.3 East Bay Study Group #1

[Attila]

I only see three bottles available in Japan:

Willet Pot Still Bottle (47%)
6978

Willet 12yr (50%)
Distilled 14 May 1996
144 bottles made
6977

Willet 24yr (50%)
Distilled on 17 December 1982
360 Btls sent to Japan.
6979

I think I saw a couple more bottles in Mejiro, but I dont have my notes.

[Jake_Parrott]

There is a thread further down this forum:

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9684

Since then, we've done another 94-proof bottling. We also have 12-year-old and 16-year-old barrel proof bottlings coming in October.

[doubleblank]

Toddy's in Bardstown sold a Willett's 4yo barrel proof during last year's fest (I believe was selected by Doug P) and currently has a 7yo on the shelf. There is a private Willett's 16yo SB recently released and not for sale. Party Source has a 12yo bottled for them currently for sale. I tasted the last three during Bourbon Fest and liked them all. I was able to remember at least 15 different Willett's off the top of my head recently....so my guess is that we ought to be able to list about 15 to 20 when finished.

Randy

[OscarV]

I have two Willett's.

Willett Single Barrel Estate Reserve (the "Bong" bottle)
Bottle No. 108 of 253
Barrel No. 8053
94 proof

Willett Family Estate Single Barrel (Toddy & Doug's Fall Fest '07)
Bottle No. 125 of 216
Barrel No. 2
Warehouse B
Rick 54
125.4 proof
4 yo

On my wish list is the 27yo Binny's bottle,... I feel some "White Line Fever" coming,...hmm, Binny's, Chi-Town,....maybe.

[HighTower]

There was 4 Willett's bottlings done for Ace Beverages in DC.
They had:

6yo Bourbon @ 122 proof
15yo bourbon @ 129 proof
Both sold out.

Still available on their site:

23yo Rye @ 137 proof "The Iron Fist"
23yo Rye @137.1 proof "The Velvet Glove"

Scott

[Jake_Parrott]

None of the Willett DC bottlings were done "for Ace Beverage" though Ace is a very good customer and carries all of our bottlings that aren't sold out, as does The Wine Specialist.

We have done a total of 2 6yo 94 proof bottlings, 2 6yo barrel proof bottlings (unnamed and "Pear Tree"), 1 7yo barrel proof bottling ("Old Fuss and Feathers"), 1 15yo barrel proof bottling, 2 23yo barrel proof rye bottlings ("Velvet Glove" and "Iron Fist"), and 24btls of 24yo barrel proof rye. As I mentioned above, coming soon are 12yo barrel proof "Grand Krewe" and 16yo barrel proof "Malt Bomb."

[Rughi]

None of the Willett DC bottlings were done "for Ace Beverage"...We have done a total of...

Jake,
To whom would you like these bottlings attributed?
Should we say:
"Jake has done 8 bottlings"?
"Jake and friends have done 8 bottlings"?
"Ledroit Brands have done 8 bottlings"?
"Some cool bourbanites in the greater metropolitan DC area have done 8 bottlings"?

Roger

[jburlowski]

Toddy's in Bardstown sold a Willett's 4yo barrel proof during last year's fest (I believe was selected by Doug P) and currently has a 7yo on the shelf. There is a private Willett's 16yo SB recently released and not for sale. Party Source has a 12yo bottled for them currently for sale. I tasted the last three during Bourbon Fest and liked them all. I was able to remember at least 15 different Willett's off the top of my head recently....so my guess is that we ought to be able to list about 15 to 20 when finished.

Randy

Party Source has five, seven, twelve, sixteen, and seventeen year old single barrels currently available.

[Jake_Parrott]

Jake,
To whom would you like these bottlings attributed?
Should we say:
"Jake has done 8 bottlings"?
"Jake and friends have done 8 bottlings"?
"Ledroit Brands have done 8 bottlings"?
"Some cool bourbanites in the greater metropolitan DC area have done 8 bottlings"?

Roger
Well "cool" is probably an overstatement.

Ledroit Brands LLC is the DC distributor for KBD, and, as part of that relationship, we buy single barrels to be bottled under the Willett family crest label, most of which we bottle at barrel proof. We may do our own label at some point when we have more time to think about it. We give the bottlings silly names so we can have fun and keep them apart in my mind. I am instrumental in selecting barrels, but I am not the sole selector by any stretch.

How you want to refer to that is up to y'all. I never would've gotten to do these bottlings without the good folks here, particularly dougdog and the rest of the East Bay guys who owned the original relationship with Drew.

[HighTower]

Sorry Jake,

I should have read the posts you linked earlier in this thread.
Some nice work and from what I hear some great bourbons and ryes!

Cheers

Scott

None of the Willett DC bottlings were done "for Ace Beverage" though Ace is a very good customer and carries all of our bottlings that aren't sold out, as does The Wine Specialist.

We have done a total of 2 6yo 94 proof bottlings, 2 6yo barrel proof bottlings (unnamed and "Pear Tree"), 1 7yo barrel proof bottling ("Old Fuss and Feathers"), 1 15yo barrel proof bottling, 2 23yo barrel proof rye bottlings ("Velvet Glove" and "Iron Fist"), and 24btls of 24yo barrel proof rye. As I mentioned above, coming soon are 12yo barrel proof "Grand Krewe" and 16yo barrel proof "Malt Bomb."

[Sir Toby Belch]

Speaking of Willett products, I notice that their latest releases in the pot still-shaped bottle are now labeled "pot still reserve" on the little medallion affixed to the front of the bottle. (Previously, they were labeled "estate reserve".) I guess these guys have no shame. Unless they are buying juice from Woodford Reserve, the stuff they stuff into the pot still bottles is certainly not the product of a pot still. Although a number of the KBD products are certainly good, I tend to lose patience with an operation that is so deceptive in its labeling. What lies will we hear next from KBD?

Ironically, there is no evidence so far that pot stills actually produce better bourbon. The Woodford Reserve Master's Collection releases (100% pot still product) have not been particularly impressive. Maybe the hoary old legend that pot stills produce better booze is not always true.

[birdman1099]

I just bought one a week ago, and it still says "estate Reserve"

[fussychicken]

Fussychicken back from the dead here... I was lucky enough to pick up some of the DC 6 and 15 year bourbons along with a bottle each of the "iron fist" and "velvet glove" rye a while back. Thanks again to Jake_Parrott and CrashRiley for making them available to sb.com. I haven't cracked the cap on any of em yet, but here is a purtty picture just for reference:

[NYtaster]

I just saw a couple pf bottles of Willett on the shelves of a local store today. Is there any real quality to these other than the unique bottle?

[Jake_Parrott]

coming soon are 12yo barrel proof "Grand Krewe" and 16yo barrel proof "Malt Bomb."
These are now in.

[barturtle]

These are now in.

Got the stats on these handy?

[Jake_Parrott]

12yo is 57.4%, 16yo is 61.7%. I don't have number of bottles handy (I don't have a bottle in front of me. But after Tito left Daisuke in for a couple extra batters, I could use a frontal lobotomy.)

[fricky]

Where can I get some of the 12 year old? The Party Source 12 year barrel was outstanding. If your barrel is anything like it, I would love to get some.
Doug

[Jake_Parrott]

Our 12-year-old "Grand Krewe" is available at CrashRiley's store, Ace Beverage, as well as Wine Specialist.

[WsmataU]

For anyone keeping track: I'm going to crack open a bottle of Willett 7 yr from Toddy's;
25 of 144
Rick North 7
Barrell 8194

I'm not promising I'll give my impressions tomorrow, but they will be forthcoming:lol:

[WsmataU]

Our 12-year-old "Grand Krewe" is available at CrashRiley's store, Ace Beverage, as well as Wine Specialist.


It looks like it is either sold out or not listed. Any other leads?

[spun_cookie]

Jake, or anyone
Can anyone speak to the new BevMo Willetts?

Willet Sgl Ky Brbn Whiskey 6yr
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 18 year
Willet Single Straight Rye Whiskey 24 year
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 28 year

It is the first time I have seen these on BevMo... or even heard of them...

[Virus_Of_Life]

Jake, or anyone
Can anyone speak to the new BevMo Willetts?

Willet Sgl Ky Brbn Whiskey 6yr
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 18 year
Willet Single Straight Rye Whiskey 24 year
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 28 year

It is the first time I have seen these on BevMo... or even heard of them...

All I can say is I think this is a case of "Labels gone wild!"

The Willett label has become a catch all for any stray barrel sitting around that someone wants (needs?) to bottle to make some money. I'd be much more interested if the label contained: Distillery, Distilled:xx/xx/xxxxx Bottled xx/xx/xxxx. Like Chuck has said, if you can't repeat it and therefore rebuy the same thing..............

I guess I am just a cynic.

[dougdog]

Speaking of Willett products, I notice that their latest releases in the pot still-shaped bottle are now labeled "pot still reserve" on the little medallion affixed to the front of the bottle. (Previously, they were labeled "estate reserve".) I guess these guys have no shame. Unless they are buying juice from Woodford Reserve, the stuff they stuff into the pot still bottles is certainly not the product of a pot still. Although a number of the KBD products are certainly good, I tend to lose patience with an operation that is so deceptive in its labeling. What lies will we hear next from KBD?

Ironically, there is no evidence so far that pot stills actually produce better bourbon. The Woodford Reserve Master's Collection releases (100% pot still product) have not been particularly impressive. Maybe the hoary old legend that pot stills produce better booze is not always true.

Sir Toby...who ever you are...you have got to be kidding...right?

If I have my facts correct, the bourbon industry started using doublers in the late 60's and early 70's. Seagrams was probably the first ones to start using that device to "clean up" the spirit coming off the beer still. The "secrete" here is that a "doubler" is a pot. Wait, that's no secrete...

Truly any bourbon produced today could be called a pot stilled whiskey and there would be no distraction from the truth. (Everyone uses doublers these days)

Take some distillery tours one day and look at the devices the bourbon industry today refers to as a doubler, you might find a striking similarity if not and identical match to the "pots" you might see in a Scottish distillery tour.

Then, take a class in marketing.

At the end of the day, anyone with a collection of fine Bourbons and interesting bottle shapes might be glad to have the pot still shaped bottle that KBD produced, (I know I am) it happens to be in scale with the new pot that stands alone in their distillery, separate from, but not to distant from the original Willett "doubler" that is also available them to use in the future distillation practices.


dp

BTW, you were right about one thing though...just because one has a pot does not mean one can make good whiskey. Woodford might not be the best example to use here. I have tasted a sample from a single barrel at barrel proof, unchillfiltered and it was stunning. I think that they are still experimenting, but, when they hit stride...watch out! A better example of poor pot still whiskey might better be chosen from selections across the pond.

Also: If you want to pick on someone there are much better targets than KBD.

(Disclaimer: Yes Chuck (if you are rerading this), I did have another drink of the Kullsveen Koolaid this morning...)

Hee Heeeee!

[dougdog]

To add to the list, I have done a total of 7 Willett barrels to date...

[fricky]

I have had excellent whiskies with the Willett label. The fact that I did not know where they were distilled did not inhibit my appreciation of them. I also like the pot still bottle.
Doug

[WsmataU]

For anyone keeping track: I'm going to crack open a bottle of Willett 7 yr from Toddy's;
25 of 144
Rick North 7
Barrell 8194

I'm not promising I'll give my impressions tomorrow, but they will be forthcoming:lol:

I cracked this one open a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I've tried it on three seperate occasions and determined I prefer it neat. In fact I prefer it to the VW Lot "B" I bought at the same time. It is strong, I'll say that. I'm not as eloquent as some of the tasters, so I won't pretend to be. But at $45/btl this is a great buy in my opinion. I wish I would have bought more.

[laz]

I picked up a bottle of Willett something or other (the gold seal says "Willet pot still reserve"). It's 94 proof. Bottle 109 of 266, barrel 1375. Crazy bong bottle. Costco in Mt View, CA for $38.99.

[smokinjoe]

I picked up a bottle of Willett something or other (the gold seal says "Willet pot still reserve"). It's 94 proof. Bottle 109 of 266, barrel 1375. Crazy bong bottle. Costco in Mt View, CA for $38.99.

Nicely done, Laz. "Crazy Bong Bottle". I like it. Not quite as catchy as the BUB (Butt Ugly Bottle--early Elmer T. Lee bottles), but good nonetheless. :D I will now call for the "Crazy Bong Bottle", when ordering this up.

I've been liking my bottle of this Willett (Bottle 89 of 256, Barrel 9705).

Welcome aboard.
:toast:

[fishnbowljoe]

I've heard it called the "genie" bottle, but not the bong bottle.:skep: Whatever fits. It's all good. Joe

[WsmataU]

I understand this year's Willett bottlings are due out this week. Any insights from KY?

[DeanSheen]

Apparently Barturtle has found them.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11374&page=22

I understand this year's Willett bottlings are due out this week. Any insights from KY?

[barturtle]

Apparently Barturtle has found them.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11374&page=22


Actually that is a set of three barrels that were done as a private bottling for a group of bourbon aficionados in Louisville.:cool:

[DeanSheen]

Well thanks for clearing that up Mr. Turtle. Enjoy your bounty.

"Rare Marquis de Sade, dude. Juliette. Rare Marquis de Sade. "

[cigarnv]

Four Willet's from a private 2008 bottling....

1605 96 bottles
8550 144 bottles
8551 96 bottles
1564 70 bottles

[Virus_Of_Life]

Actually that is a set of three barrels that were done as a private bottling for a group of bourbon aficionados in Louisville.:cool:

Timothy where were they distilled?

[Jake_Parrott]

We've just got in 3 more here in DC...a 94-proof 6yo for a couple bars, plus 6-year-old "Honey Bunny" 59.6% and 12-year-old "Calypso" 57.8%.

[WsmataU]

Where are those 17 and 18 yr available?

[Jake_Parrott]

Where are those 17 and 18 yr available?
There may be some still at Wine Specialist or Ace. And by the glass at reasonable rates at Bourbon in Adams Morgan and Glover Park.

[WsmataU]

Thanks for the info Jake. I'll wait to crack open one of my 16s before I spend $100+ for what's available.

[VERITAS]

Jake, or anyone
Can anyone speak to the new BevMo Willetts?

Willet Sgl Ky Brbn Whiskey 6yr
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 18 year
Willet Single Straight Rye Whiskey 24 year
Willet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 28 year

It is the first time I have seen these on BevMo... or even heard of them...

I just finished classes for my bachelor's degree (it took me nearly 12 years to do it) and my wife surprised me with a bottle of the Willett 28 year as a graduation present. I don't find it as flavorful as the 25yr, which was VERY flavorful with a lot of tobacco coming thorugh in my opinion. The 28 year is more concetrated caramel and vanilla flavors. Its a fantastic pour, and though I probably slightly prefer the 25yr over the 28 - I took some down to a local restaurant/bar that has a great bourbon selection, and the owner thought the 28yr was one of the best things he had tasted in a long time... so to each his own!

[spun_cookie]

I just finished classes for my bachelor's degree (it took me nearly 12 years to do it) and my wife surprised me with a bottle of the Willett 28 year as a graduation present. I don't find it as flavorful as the 25yr, which was VERY flavorful with a lot of tobacco coming thorugh in my opinion. The 28 year is more concetrated caramel and vanilla flavors. Its a fantastic pour, and though I probably slightly prefer the 25yr over the 28 - I took some down to a local restaurant/bar that has a great bourbon selection, and the owner thought the 28yr was one of the best things he had tasted in a long time... so to each his own!


Congradulations and thank you for the info....

[Jake_Parrott]

We've just got in two more cask-strength bottlings in DC. 5yo "Pancakes" and 12yo "Mackinac."

[Jake_Parrott]

Minor error...the "Mackinac" had a birthday between selection and bottling...it's a 13yo now.

[Big TR]

I just picked up a bottle of the Family Reserve 13 year at my local booze hut. I had yet to see this brand here in Nashville, and am looking forward to giving it a try.

[Jake_Parrott]

New bottlings into DC. These don't have names due to a bit of a snafu, but there's an 8yo 100pf and 6 and 3yo cask strengths.

[dgonano]

I have done 3 bottlings to date. Last year a 16yr private bourbon at 135 proof. This year a 5yr 122 proof and an 8 yr 121 proof bourbon. All three were tasted by attendees of the KBF and Samplers. I hope they were enjoyed by all.

A few cases of the 5 and 8yr whiskies were kept by my retailer for sale. If you are in the North Central Maryland area, please stop by Four Corners Wines and Spirits in Jacksonville, Md. They will let you sample the bourbon if you inquire.

[jburlowski]

The Party Source is going to do another series of barrel-strength Willetts this Fall.

[OscarV]

The Party Source is going to do another series of barrel-strength Willetts this Fall.

Drew and Jay must be friends again.

[birdman1099]

Thank God....

I need a few more Willetts in my life !!!!

[fussychicken]

Does anyone know where KDB ages the barrels that eventually become Willett? Their website alludes that they have rick houses on site, but do they use them? In other words, when they purchase barrels from HH, do they let HH age them, or do they take the freshly filled barrel to a location of their choosing?

And if they do age on site, does anyone know anything about their rick houses? Brick? Iron Clad?

I've noticed that the proof of their unfiltered uncut bourbon bottles ranges pretty greatly, and I was wondering how they are aging their product.

[Rughi]

I think KBD buys, bottles and sells as opportunity knocks. From memory, I think they have four rickhouses that would each hold a few thousand barrels. They do hold and age barrels, but I think it's more a function of buying batches when they come available on the right terms or to fill a need, and then they bottle as demand dictates. KBD probably had their Bernheim for 4 or 5 years to fill Classic Cask, BMH, Vintage, Redhook, Willett and probably a couple more, but that was based on the serendipity of a one time opportunity deal. I would think the HH comes and goes across the road freqently and the WT, BF, SW etc as quirky surpluses pop up.

Roger