Willett Family Estate 2009

[SMOWK]

Just picked up 2 bottles of Willett Family Estate.

5 year - 121.8 proof - 42.99

8 year - 120.9 proof - 48.99

From the distilling date on the back and the age stamp, this looks to be released just this year. Selected for Gonano. Purchased in Baltimore County, MD.

I've had the Pot Still in the neat looking bottle. I had never seen, or heard of, the Family Estate until just yesterday.

Anyone try either of these?

[callmeox]

Just picked up 2 bottles of Willett Family Estate.

5 year - 121.8 proof - 42.99

8 year - 120.9 proof - 48.99

From the distilling date on the back and the age stamp, this looks to be released just this year. Selected for Gonano. Purchased in Baltimore County, MD.

I've had the Pot Still in the neat looking bottle. I had never seen, or heard of, the Family Estate until just yesterday.

Anyone try either of these?

Paging Mr. Gonano. Mr. Gonano to the blue and silver wax courtesy phone! :cool:

The Willett "estate" label is what KBD uses for private bottlings. The bottles that you picked up were from barrels selected by SB member dgonano. I had some of each at the bourbon festival and both are well worth what you paid for them.

I have one of each here at home and I'm hoping to clear space on my shelf so that I can open them.

[SMOWK]

I have one of each here at home and I'm hoping to clear space on my shelf so that I can open them.

Thanks for the info. Since I only have 1 bottle of each, I think they'll hang around for a while before I open them.

I've been on a buying binge lately. Was able to pick up 2 cases of 2009 GTS for 39.50/bottle from the local LCB, as well as 3 bottles of 2009 OF Birthday Bourbon for under 40/bottle. I couldn't pass it up. I should be well stocked through the holiday season.

[ggilbertva]

hmm...does Dave know is Willett bottles are floating around MD and not sitting in his bunker?

[callmeox]

Perhaps the store that he bought them through was in Baltimore and they retained some for their use?

[SMOWK]

Perhaps the store that he bought them through was in Baltimore and they retained some for their use?

The guy I bought them from was the owner of the liquor store, and said that they were sent especially for him. Judging from the dozen or so bottles of the 5 & 8 they had on the shelf, he must be a good friend. Either way, a review is going to be a while, as I've got too much open at the time.

[p_elliott]

I had some of that at the KBF as well it's fine bourbon, Dave Gonano is a great guy and a fine judge of bourbon.

[ggilbertva]

I had some of that at the KBF as well it's fine bourbon, Dave Gonano is a great guy and a fine judge of bourbon.

I'll second that. He has a great palate so whatever juice is in that bottle, it will be good.

[funknik]

Was able to pick up 2 cases of 2009 GTS for 39.50/bottle from the local LCB.

[unclebunk]

I've been on a buying binge lately. Was able to pick up 2 cases of 2009 GTS for 39.50/bottle from the local LCB...

[dgonano]

The two Willetts are very good bourbons. I let my retailer keep a few cases of each selection for sale to the general public. He makes his profit and reduces the commission charged to me. This was the original idea as presented by DougDog.

The bourbons are only available at Four Corners in Jacksonville, Md.

[BourbonJoe]

Dave Gonano is a great guy and a fine judge of bourbon.

I'll second that.

Joe :usflag:

[Ruby K]

None of em coming up to NY, huh?

[SMOWK]

Man, that's a seriously good price on the Stagg. Were you followed to the store by a leprechaun, by chance?:grin:

It was hand delivered by the local distributor. It was their "2 case allotment from the distillery". I just so happened to call at the right time. I must also mention that a case of the Thomas Handy came in at the same price at the same time as well.

The 2009 OF Birthday Bourbon is not very good. I've yet to open the 2008 bottle I just purchased, but from what I've read, it has to be better than the 2009.

[SMOWK]

The two Willetts are very good bourbons. I let my retailer keep a few cases of each selection for sale to the general public. He makes his profit and reduces the commission charged to me. This was the original idea as presented by DougDog.

The bourbons are only available at Four Corners in Jacksonville, Md.

Should I save the 5 or the 8? I really think one is going to end up opened in the not so distant future.

[dgonano]

Both bourbons are from the same distillery, just different ages and taste. Some like the 5 yr, others the 8yr. Try them both, you can always buy another bottle of each.

[smokinjoe]

I'll second that.

Joe :usflag:

I'll third that.

The 5 and 8 are both very good. You won't go wrong on whichever one you choose. The 8 is thicker. A little orange on the nose and initial taste. Tastes older than the 8 years. A "bright" oranginess to the 5. It's lesser age makes it a little thinner, but a wonderful feistiness to it that I really like. Again, both are very good. :yum: