Item: x Willett Rye Madeira Finish
Rating: 4
Author: Josh Peters

Thanks a Thousand! (Episode 1000: April 16, 2023)

We’re celebrating a major milestone this week with the 1000th episode of WhiskyCast! To mark the occasion, Mark went back through the archives to pick some memorable moments and interviews from the past 18 years for this special episode. You’ll hear from legends like the late Parker Beam and Michael Jackson, along with Jimmy Russell, Jim McEwan, Maureen Robinson, Fawn Weaver, and Richard Paterson…just to name a few. This episode is a lot longer than usual, and there’s plenty more that we could have included. In the news, Scotch Whisky Association leaders are hoping to persuade Parliament to reject a Read More »

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Last Day to Enter OHLQ 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery (Blanton’s, etc.) – Do it Now!

Today is the last day (April 17th) to enter the Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery for the following:Blanton’s – $150 + taxElmer T. Lee – $40.99 + taxMichter’s 20 Year Bourbon – $1149.99 + tax (up $400 from last year)…

Today is the last day (April 17th) to enter the Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) 2023 Spring Bottle Lottery for the following:

Blanton's - $150 + tax
Elmer T. Lee - $40.99 + tax
Michter's 20 Year Bourbon - $1149.99 + tax (up $400 from last year)
Old Fitzgerald 19 Year Bourbon - $239.99 + tax
Parker's Heritage 16th Edition - $174.99 + tax (down $100 from the 15th edition)
Weller Single Barrel - $49.99 + tax
Willett 6 Year Bourbon - $131 + tax
Willett 8 Year Bourbon - $235.98 + tax

You can enter at the OHLQ lottery website. In order to enter, you'll need to provide the following:

Ohio Driver's License Number / Ohio Identification Card Number
First Name
Last Name
Street Address
Date of Birth
Email Address
Preferred OHLQ store location for purchasing the product if you win

Lottery ends at 11:59pm. Good luck everyone!

Friendship on the Turkey Trail

Before bourbon, I had fewer friends. To the outsider, this might sound strange. But to the majority of us in the whiskey community, it rings true. The relationships fostered within this hobby eclipse any rare bottle or remarkable flavor profile. Friend…

The post Friendship on the Turkey Trail appeared first on Rare Bird 101.

BREAKING: $93M Investment from WILLETT DISTILLERY for Expansion in New Location

PRESS RELEASE Directly from Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet On Thursday, Dec 8th, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum of the state’s bourbon industry as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers LTD, doing business as Willett Distillery, will invest nearly $93 million in Washington County to build warehouses and additional production facilities, creating 35 full-time jobs. “Kentucky’s bourbon industry […]

The post BREAKING: $93M Investment from WILLETT DISTILLERY for Expansion in New Location first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

PRESS RELEASE Directly from Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet

On Thursday, Dec 8th, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum of the state’s bourbon industry as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers LTD, doing business as Willett Distillery, will invest nearly $93 million in Washington County to build warehouses and additional production facilities, creating 35 full-time jobs.

“Kentucky’s bourbon industry is experiencing incredible momentum throughout the entire state,” said Gov. Beshear. “The demand for our bourbon is stronger than ever, and that’s a testament to the companies and distillers we have in the commonwealth who produce high-quality, world-class bourbon. Willett Distillery, which has been a staple of Kentucky bourbon for over eight decades, is bringing quality jobs to Washington County. I want to thank their leadership for continuing to support the commonwealth and look forward to many more years of their success.”

To meet the growing demand of the Willett collection of brands, the company is investing nearly $93 million to support projects that include the construction of a new distillery operation, barrel storage warehouses and a water storage area for fire prevention. The project, located at 1170 Mackville Road in Springfield, will see the construction of a 70,000-square-foot facility on 150 acres. Construction of the project is expected to begin in January 2023.

“We are grateful for each person that picks up a bottle of our family’s whiskey,” said Britt Kulsveen, president and chief whiskey officer at Willett Distillery. “It is both humbling and the greatest honor to be included in any celebration. Our intention is always to make a personal connection with our customers and fill their glass with cheer.”

Drew Kulsveen, master distiller and director of operations of Willett Distillery, added that he is appreciative of the hospitality shown from the local community.

“The Springfield community has graciously welcomed us with the same warmth and attentiveness that we try to show our guests every day,” said Kulsveen. “We are grateful for the kindness and support we have received from the Springfield community and for the continued support of our Bardstown home.”

Founded in 1936, Willett Distillery is a family owned and operated distillery located in Nelson County, Kentucky. Over the last 86 years, Willett has grown gradually, methodically and responsibly, incorporating the family values of southern hospitality, craftsmanship and compassion in their products and services through the years. Over the last five years, the Willett employee base has nearly doubled. Today, the company employs 67 people that host more than 80,000 guests annually and distill, barrel and bottle 11 brands that are distributed in 40 states.

Willett Distillery’s investment adds to the commonwealth’s booming bourbon sector, which is a nearly $9 billion signature industry in Kentucky generating more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1.23 billion. Since the start of the Beshear administration, more than 60 spirits-related announcements have generated roughly $2.5 billion in new investment, creating more than 1,300 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.

Washington County Judge/Executive Timothy Graves is thankful for Willett’s expansion and the economic boost the company will provide to the region.

“This is an exciting announcement,” said Judge Graves. “We are located in the heart of the bourbon trail, and this project will add good-paying jobs and investment to our county. We want to welcome and thank Willett Distillery for selecting Washington County for their continued growth!”

Springfield Mayor Debbie Wakefield noted the company’s rich history in the bourbon industry and welcomed its leaders to the community.

“This is outstanding for our community from a jobs and investment standpoint, but also because Willett has such a rich history in the distilling industry, and an outstanding reputation for quality and community,” said Mayor Wakefield. “We are thrilled that they have chosen Springfield for this project!”

Daniel Carney, executive director of the Springfield-Washington County Economic Development Authority, mentioned the quality of the company’s brand as an ideal fit for the strong bourbon presence in Central Kentucky.

“The world’s finest spirits are made and aged right here in Central Kentucky, and Willett has established themselves as an iconic brand, known for their commitment to quality,” said Carney. “This is a perfect fit, as they continue the growth of their family owned distillery in Springfield and Washington County.”

The post BREAKING: $93M Investment from WILLETT DISTILLERY for Expansion in New Location first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Willett 8yr Wheated

What’s your favorite Willett Distillery expression? Willett Distillery has a cult following of their Willett purple top bottles but have been missing a wheated bourbon . Luckily for the Wheated King of Kentucky they have finally added a purple top wheater . To say Big Chief was excited when our great friend Adam Boothby handed

The post Willett 8yr Wheated appeared first on The Bourbon Road.

What’s your favorite Willett Distillery expression?

Willett Distillery has a cult following of their Willett purple top bottles but have been missing a wheated bourbon .

Luckily for the Wheated King of Kentucky they have finally added a purple top wheater . To say Big Chief was excited when our great friend Adam Boothby handed him a bottle for his birthday is an understatement.

The Willett Distilling Company has remained under family ownership and operation at the same location since it was created in 1936.

Over the years the company has bottled whiskeys that range from 2 years of aging maturity up to 28 years and has been called “the big daddy of bourbon and rye bottling”.

We hope you enjoy Jim and Mike’s review. Be sure to listen in to the podcast episode on your favorite platform for more information. Cheers!

Tasting Notes: Willett 8yr Wheated

Vital Stats: This Willett wheated Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has been aged 8 years in #4 new American oak barrels. It has a mash bill of 65% corn, 20% wheat and 15% malted barley. It is 108 proof and has an MSRP of $259.

Appearance: Black whiskey style bottle with gold text. The whiskey is dark golden honey. We usually don’t like these bottles that you can’t see the goodness inside but we love this one. It’s like they made this for royalty .

Nose: A waft of chocolate with some Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It has dried fruits and sweet perfumes that makes it very floral. The proof makes it strong. Very little oak.

Palate: Balanced and not aggressive with a beautiful barrel spice. Cinnamon Toast Crunch with sprinkles of chocolate and milk in a glass. The dried fruits carry over and give you that surprisingly subtle sweetness.

Finish: Long with a nice wildcat Kentucky Hug that won’t overpower you.

Overall: This is an amazing bottle of bourbon that shouldn’t be passed on if you can afford it. It’s a buy for us and will be sipped on for special occasions. Cheers

The post Willett 8yr Wheated appeared first on The Bourbon Road.

Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review

I know what you are thinking: “A “value” bourbon from Willett? How can that be? Aren’t they the ones whose bourbons go for hundred or even thousands of dollars! Well, yes and no. You see, Willett is also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd, and they produce many brands other than those bottled under the Willett label. Those brands include: Rowan’s Creek, Pure Kentucky, Noah’s Mill, Johnny Drum, Kentucky Village and the Old Bardstown line, which includes, the Bottled In Bond, the Estate Bottled and the 90 proof version.

The post Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Old Bardstown
Bottled In Bond
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled and Bottled by
The Willett Distillery
DSP-KY-78
“Willett’s Finest Quality”
$19.99
Review

Please enjoy my Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review!

A Value Bottled in Bond Bourbon from Willett Distillery!

I know what you are thinking: “A “value” bourbon from Willett? How can that be? Aren’t they the ones whose bourbons go for hundred or even thousands of dollars! Well, yes and no.

Willett = Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd

You see, Willett is also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd, and they produce many bourbon brands other than those bottled under the Willett label. Those brands include: Rowan’s Creek, Pure Kentucky, Noah’s Mill, Johnny Drum, Kentucky Vintage and the Old Bardstown line, which includes, the Bottled In Bond, the Estate Bottled and the 90 proof version.

One of my favorite Value Bottled in Bond Bourbons

Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon is actually one of my favorite “value” bottled in bond bourbons. Willett is generally not very forthcoming with the specifics of most of their whiskeys. However, since this one is a Bottled In Bond, they have to share some of the information about it. For example, to meet the requirements for bottled in bond, the distillery where the bourbon is distilled must be listed on the label. If the bourbon is bottled elsewhere, that needs to be stated as well. In this case, it says on the label “Distilled and Bottled by Willett Distillery”. So, there is no question about this bourbon’s origin.

Age and Mash Bill

No age statement is given. However, this bourbon must be at least 4 years old, since that is the youngest a bourbon can be and still be called bottled in bond. It’s also 100 proof, because it has to be to satisfy the regulations, but they would have shared that information with us anyway. Rumor has it that the mash bill is: 72% corn, 13% rye and 15% malted barley.

Tasting Notes

Let’s taste it:

Rested for 20 minutes in a Glencairn

Nose: Cedar, maple, pear, cherry, caramel, rye spices; light to medium alcohol
Taste: Honey, vanilla, caramel, pear & cedar, rapidly give way to more cedar, tobacco and char, although the sweetness continues on
Finish: The flavors continue into the finish where it develops quite a bit of dryness and char with a moderate alcohol burn. Tobacco and char linger for a long time.

Summary

This bourbon is quite complex and sells for around 20 bucks in Kentucky. So, it is definitely a great “value” Bottled in Bond bourbon in my book! Cheers!

I hope you enjoyed my Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review! Would you like to read about a couple of other bourbons from Willett Distillery? Check out my Rowan’s Creek Bourbon Review and my Noah’s Mill Bourbon Review!

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!

The post Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit Raises $3.5 Million for Tornado Relief.

The massive tornado that ripped through Western Kentucky overnight on December 10, 2021 caused tremendous losses. But, as Kentuckians have shown throughout history, we’re resilient, and as distillers and bourbon fans have also shown, we answer the call. In fact, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association…

The morning after the storms, KDA president Eric Gregory was on the phone with me, Fred Minnick, the Bourbon Crusaders, and all Kentucky distillers (not just KDA member distilleries) to begin planning how we could help with relief efforts.

Within only a few days, the KDA had secured incredible once-in-a-lifetime donations from Kentucky’s signature distilleries, the Bourbon Crusaders had lined up donations of epic “unicorn” bottles from members and friends, and Fred Minnick mobilized his resources to present what would become the largest charitable bourbon auction ever—The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit.

Over a four-day period, the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit listed about 100 new auction items per day, ending with 429 items. Bidding began immediately, with over five thousand total bidders, ending with a live auction of the top items on December 21 at Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville. By the following morning as final bids were tallied and donations were still coming in, the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit had raised about $3.5 million for tornado relief efforts, which will all go to Governor Andy Beshear’s Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.

The top two items were exclusive barrel experiences donated by Willett and Four Roses. The Willett barrel experience—a 19-year-old barrel selection—sold for $401,001, which set the individual barrel record ever, and Willett doubled it the next morning when the second-place bidder agreed to pay the winning bid price. Similarly, the Four Roses experience, which offered a barrel between 17 and 24 years, sold for an astounding $278,000, and Four Roses doubled its donation too, so the second-place bidder increased his bid to net $556,000 for the Four Roses barrels.

Both Four Roses and Willett donated other rare bottles and barrels to the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit, so that just from the generosity of these two distilleries, Western Kentuckians will receive over $1.7 million.

Other distillery partners like Brown-Forman/Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, Angel’s Envy, New Riff, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, and Castle & Key, among others, all made remarkable donations that raked in never-before-seen bidding. And individual donors like Chris Morris, of Brown-Forman, and Larry Kass, retired from Heaven Hill, donated bottles that are impossible to find anywhere. Only one major distillery did its own auction, but individuals affiliated with that distillery made generous donations on their own.

The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit also included 14 bottles from Carr’s Steakhouse in Mayfield, Kentucky, which was devastated by the storm. While Carr’s was demolished, 14 bottles of bourbon survived and were added to the auction, most with matching funds from KDA-member distilleries, Independent Stave Company, Vendome Copper & Brass Works, and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “The outpouring of support, care and love for Western Kentuckians is truly unparalleled in the history of Bourbon. We are forever grateful for the generosity of distillers, donors and bidders.” Bourbon Crusaders President RJ Sargent added, “The response was tremendous, far beyond our wildest hopes. Our members pulled out treasures from their collections and the community responded enthusiastically.”

Bourbon enthusiasts across the country proved again that it’s not just about the bourbon.

**You can still donate to the official Kentucky relief site here: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief or to the Bourbon Crusaders, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. If you donate to the official fund, please designate “Kentucky Bourbon Benefit” in the “Fundraising Event” field.

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Review

Blackened x Willett Rye is a project combining the resources and talents of three men: Drew Kulsveen, Rob Dietrich and Lars Ulrich. Drew provided the whiskey (combination of high rye and low rye whiskeys), Rob supplied the finishing process (wine barrels and “Black Noise”), and Lars sequenced a unique playlist, chosen by Rob and Drew, […]

The post Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Review appeared first on The Whiskey Jug.

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Review

On the surface, I like this a lot. Not because of any of the individual components, but because it’s awesome to see distilleries and producers working together like this and both putting a stake and a name on the product. I love seeing this kind of unique collaboration to bring something new to the market. The only thing, on the surface, I don’t like about it is some of the marketing.

To some, proper naming might be minor, but to the nerds who spend our time digging deep into the laws governing our favorite spirits, it’s a big deal. So, I have to call out that this is NOT a straight rye as stated over-and-over in the press releases and marketing which simply label this as “BLACKENED x Willett Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey”. It’s finished in Madeira casks, which immediately disqualifies it from being a straight rye.

To the credit of the label, it does carry the full designation/proper title of it being a “Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Madeira Casks”. But the marketing around it, almost exclusively, calls it a straight rye. I get that it’s a long title to copy and paste over and over, but that’s what it is. If they had just blasted the Willett barrels with Black Noise, and no finishing, then yes, it could be a straight rye, but the finishing immediately removes that solitary designation.

Now that we have the nerd stuff squared away, let’s get to why you’re really here. To see how this thing performs in the glass. So let’s get to drinkin’ and hop right into the review.

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Willett
Finisher and Bottler: Blackened
Mash Bill: 51%+ Rye + Corn + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak, ex-Madeira (finished up to 14 weeks)
Age: NAS (blend of barrels aged 4-8 years)
ABV: 54.8%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Batch: 1

Price: $140*

White background tasting shot with the Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish sample bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it. — “BLACKENED® American Whiskey launches its first-ever collaboration as part of the Limited Edition Masters of Whiskey Series: The BLACKENED X Willett Collaboration Kentucky Straight Rye. This Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Rye highlights the symbiotic collaboration between Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich of Sweet Amber Distilling Co. and Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen of Willett Distillery, Bardstown, KY” – Blackened

Tasting Notes

EYE
Copperish amber

NOSE
Dilly rye spice, oak, plummy dark fruit, sweet tobacco, clove and anise-heavy baking spice and touches of toffee, vanilla and copper.

A juicy and multifaceted aroma that keeps moving and shifting a bit. This is a fun whiskey just to sit and sniff.

PALATE
Oak, dilly rye spice, cocoa, leathery dried dark fruit, clove and anise-heavy baking spice with some bits of orange peel, sweet tobacco and hazelnuts.

A more complex palate that brings out some earthier and more darkly sweet tones. I like how the Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish palate starts a bit dry and oaky, but opens to a nice balanced sweetness.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, dilly rye spice, leathery dried dark fruit and some copper and orange peels.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Good sense of balance, full body and a warm, slightly tannic-dry, feel.

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish – Overall Thoughts and Score

There is complexity and nuance to this and adding a bit of water enhances the whole experience. On the aroma, the vanilla moves up and gets a bit of a frosting sweetness and the coppery/metallic notes pop a bit more. The palate gets more of the fruity sweetness and moves from leathery to juicy and loses some of the dryness. Marketing quibbles and qualms aside, I like it. It’s a noticeably different product than the regular Blackened or Blackened Cask Strength.

On the whole, this Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish is something new, different and tasty. It’s a great marriage of the talents and processes of two icons in the whiskey world and even if it wasn’t a good whiskey, I’d be happy it existed; I’d love to see more collaborations like this show up in the market. Some truly remarkable things can happen when people work together.

SCORE: 4/5

*Disclosure: The sample for this finished rye whiskey review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Label

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Review $140

Summary

Take the best part of Blackened’s process, combine it with the great whiskey Willett puts out and you get this. A tasty, unique whiskey worth sharing with friends.

Overall

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Old BardstownBottled In BondKentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyDistilled and Bottled byThe Willett DistilleryDSP-KY-78“Willett’s Finest Quality”$19.99Review

A Value Bottled in Bond Bourbon from Willett Distillery!

Willett = Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd

One of my favorite Value Bottled in Bond Bourbons

Age and Mash Bill

Tasting Notes

Summary

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Tasting Notes

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish – Overall Thoughts and Score

Blackened x Willett Rye Madeira Finish Review $140

Overall

User Review

Old Bardstown
Bottled In Bond
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled and Bottled by
The Willett Distillery
DSP-KY-78
“Willett’s Finest Quality”
$19.99
Review