Willett Distillery (a.k.a. Kentucky Bourbon Distillers) is a private family-owned business in Bardstown, Kentucky producing bourbon and rye whisky since 1936. Before distilling its whisky, the company sourced it from Heaven Hill and bottled it under its brands. The new distillery opened in 2012.

Willett Distillery has two experiences:

1. Distillery and Production Tour with Tasting. Focuses on the whisky-making process and guided tasting.
2. A Taste of Willett. Guided tasting of three whiskies from three groups.

The guided tasting had three groups of whiskies. Guests could choose one from each group.

Group 1: Old Bardstown Kentucky Straight Bourbon Estate Bottled, Old Bardstown Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond, and Old Bardstown 90 proof.

My pick: Old Bardstown Kentucky Straight Bourbon Estate Bottled. This bourbon was bottled at 50.5% ABV (101% proof) and aged for four years. I tasted flavors of honey, caramel, cinnamon with a bit of spice.

Group 2: Rowan’s Creek Kentucky Bourbon, Johnny Drum Private Stock, and Kentucky Vintage.

My pick: Rowan’s Creek Kentucky Bourbon. Named after the creek that runs through the distillery, bottled at 50.05% ABV (101% proof). A high rye bourbon. I tasted notes of caramel, vanilla, floral, and oak.

Group 3: Willet Family Estate Straight 4 year Rye, Noah’s Mill, and Pure Kentucky.

My pick: Willet Family Estate Bottled Straight 4 year Rye. Whiskey bottled at 55.4% ABV (110.8% proof). Notes of cinnamon, smoke, and spice make this one my favorite whisky of the guided tasting. The finish is long with fruit.

What I liked about Willer Distillery 🙂

All three whiskies I tasted were above average in terms of complexity.

What I did not like about the experience 🙁

• The bar at Willett Distillery needs reservation at least two months before your visit so there is no place to wait and relax with your friends before your tour, except for the gift shop.
• Dividing the whiskies into three groups is helpful to understand the positioning of the brands (standard, medium, and premium) but, you feel like you missed out since you can only taste three out of nine whiskies.

Score: 3.5/5 ⭐

If you’re interested in knowing more about distilleries in the Bourbon Trail, such as Willett Distillery, visit the NEWS section of this website.