Bottle Buddy’s Bourbon Roundup
An occasional grabbing of reviews from the belly of the internet from your favorite drinking partners at Metrobottle.
THIS WEEK: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon:
| Source | Summary | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking Bourbon | Willett Pot Still Reserve is characterized by its unique bottle design, but the bourbon itself is considered average by many reviewers. While some batches may now contain in-house distillate, its flavor profile is not as memorable as its packaging. The bourbon is generally priced between $40-$60, and though unique, some feel the bourbon doesn’t live up to its visual appeal. | Notes of buttered popcorn, a slightly sweet flavor profile with hints of oak and mild spice; overall, the taste is deemed serviceable but not extraordinary. |
| Liquor.com | Reviewers are divided on Willett Pot Still Reserve, with some praising its full flavor and others finding its finish too harsh for sipping neat. Notes include cherry, figs, citrus, honey, vanilla, and dark chocolate. Some recommend it for cocktails, particularly those that allow its distinctive character to shine, such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. | Nose: Cherry, figs, honey, vanilla, oak, baking spices; Palate: Black pepper, caramel, peanut butter, salted peanut brittle, citrus; Finish: Medium-long with barrel notes and caramelized orange. |
| Drinkhacker | Willett Pot Still Reserve is noted for its unique design and light but distinctive flavor profile. It features sweet corn, caramel, and hints of citrus and pepper. The finish is medium-length with mild sweetness and some spice, making it a good choice for cocktails or casual sipping. The bourbon’s personality is more delicate compared to other bourbons at this proof. | Nose: Corn sweetness, caramelized sugar, cedar; Palate: Citrus, caramel, pepper; Finish: Medium-length with light sweetness and mild spice. |
| The Whiskey Wash | The review highlights the bourbon’s striking bottle design but notes that while the bourbon inside is pleasant, it doesn’t stand out. The nose offers caramelized sugar and cedar, while the palate features citrus, caramel, and pepper. The price can vary widely, from under $40 to about $60. The reviewer finds it suitable for those who appreciate subtler bourbons. | Nose: Caramelized sugar, cedar; Palate: Citrus, caramel, pepper; Finish: Moderate with lingering mild spice. |
| Bourbon Culture | Described as soft and delicate, Willett Pot Still Reserve is likened to a “baby kitten” compared to more robust bourbons. It has notes of vanilla, rose water, and light spices, with a creamy mouthfeel and a quickly fading finish. The review suggests it may not be for those seeking traditional bourbon flavors but could interest those looking for something unique. | Nose: Vanilla, rose water, caramel, puff pastry; Palate: Cornbread, jasmine, eucalyptus, honey; Finish: Soft, quickly fading, with floral notes. |
| The Whiskey Reviewer | Willett Pot Still Reserve is described as a bourbon that looks better than it tastes, with a bottle design that stands out more than the liquid inside. While some enjoy its mild and sweet profile, others find it mediocre compared to other options like Knob Creek 120 or Buffalo Trace. The bourbon is suggested as an option for collectors rather than everyday drinkers. | Nose: Fruity, vanilla, mild caramel, rye spice; Palate: Corn sweetness, oak, caramel; Finish: Moderate length with oak and lingering corn sweetness. |
| The Whiskey Ramble | The bourbon is noted for its light and young personality, with a nose that includes lemon and yeast. The palate offers sweet corn mash flavors and light spices, while the finish is mild and effervescent. It challenges some preconceived notions about wheated bourbons but may not be enjoyable for those expecting a stronger profile. | Nose: Lemon, yeast, floral, nut cookies; Palate: Sweet corn mash, orange, vanilla, honey; Finish: Lengthy with mild pepper and residual sweetness. |
| People’s Bourbon Review | Rated as an average bourbon, Willett Pot Still Reserve has a pleasant nose with fruity and vanilla notes, a sweeter-than-expected palate, and a moderate finish. While unique in its presentation, the overall value is deemed average, with the bottle design adding a premium to the price. | Nose: Fruity, vanilla, corn sweetness, mild rye spice; Palate: Oak, caramel, thin sweetness; Finish: Moderate length with oak and mild spice. |
This table includes the relevant tasting notes that offer a detailed sensory profile of Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon from various reviewers.
