dougdog Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 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.dpBTW, 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougdog Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 To add to the list, I have done a total of 7 Willett barrels to date... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fricky Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WsmataU Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 For anyone keeping track: I'm going to crack open a bottle of Willett 7 yr from Toddy's;25 of 144Rick North 7Barrell 8194I'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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laz Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokinjoe Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 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. 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: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnbowljoe Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I've heard it called the "genie" bottle, but not the bong bottle.:skep: Whatever fits. It's all good. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WsmataU Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I understand this year's Willett bottlings are due out this week. Any insights from KY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanSheen Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Apparently Barturtle has found them.http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11374&page=22I understand this year's Willett bottlings are due out this week. Any insights from KY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barturtle Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Apparently Barturtle has found them.http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11374&page=22Actually that is a set of three barrels that were done as a private bottling for a group of bourbon aficionados in Louisville.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanSheen Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Well thanks for clearing that up Mr. Turtle. Enjoy your bounty."Rare Marquis de Sade, dude. Juliette. Rare Marquis de Sade. " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cigarnv Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Four Willet's from a private 2008 bottling.... 1605 96 bottles 8550 144 bottles 8551 96 bottles 1564 70 bottles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virus_Of_Life Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 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%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WsmataU Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 Where are those 17 and 18 yr available? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted February 27, 2009 Share Posted February 27, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WsmataU Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks for the info Jake. I'll wait to crack open one of my 16s before I spend $100+ for what's available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERITAS Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Jake, or anyone Can anyone speak to the new BevMo Willetts?Willet Sgl Ky Brbn Whiskey 6yrWillet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 18 yearWillet Single Straight Rye Whiskey 24 yearWillet Single Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 28 yearIt 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spun_cookie Posted March 11, 2009 Author Share Posted March 11, 2009 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.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 We've just got in two more cask-strength bottlings in DC. 5yo "Pancakes" and 12yo "Mackinac." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Minor error...the "Mackinac" had a birthday between selection and bottling...it's a 13yo now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big TR Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgonano Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jburlowski Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 The Party Source is going to do another series of barrel-strength Willetts this Fall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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