Willett Family Estate Bourbon Review - 9 Year

Willett Family Estate
Bourbon - 9 year

Willett Family Estate Bourbon comes in a wide variety of ages, most easily found between 5 and 10 years, though bottles aged longer can be found (I've seen a couple 21 year bottles). I could give a story on the Willett history and where it is bottled, but you can find most of that info at the Willett Family Estate Bourbon official page or at this great post on Willett from Whisky Advocate Blog.

So, what did we think of the juice? While it didn't finish well in the high proof bourbon comparison, that doesn't make it a bad bourbon. In fact, in a later blind menage-a-tasting this finished just behind the Stagg and well ahead of the 2012 Parker's Heritage Collection.

Willett Family Estate Bourbon 9 year - Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and fruity with prunes, citrus and light vanilla. Kind of bubble-gummy as well. A very pleasant smell with a hint of burnt sugar when a touch of water is added
Palate: Initial heat and spice with brown sugar and light oak notes underneath. Adding water gave a sweet, syrupy feel
Finish: Lingering sweet finish with smoke and a very light spice

Proof: 126.5 (63.25% ABV)
Price: ~$55

Willett 9-Year Bottle Info

Overall this is a really good bourbon, both sweet and flavorful. A little water makes this easy to sip as it cuts the high alcohol content and brings out some additional flavors. While I can't say if this is better, worse or nearly identical to some of the other offerings, this bottle makes me a believer in the Willett lineup. I'm sure this won't be the last Willett Family Estate Bourbon that I purchase.

Willett Family Estate Bourbon 9 year Rating: 8.5/10