On the Kentucky journey 2014 we reached Bardstown. If Kentucky is the capital state of Bourbon then Bardstown is the capital city. Bardstown, reminding you of a fairytale city, has been chosen America’s ‘Most Beautiful Small Town’ in some magazine. In the edge of this city you will find Willet. Willet is one of the smallest big distilleries or one of the biggest small ones, which is one of the things that makes them so interesting.
Willet is a family company .In 1786 William Willett received a license to operate an “ordinary (An “ordinary” was a tavern for travelers).” Today after some renovations and retrofitting Willet still is a family company. In Bourbon business Willet has somewhat of a cult status due to their determination to go their one way and because of their brands. They are responsible for labels such as Willet Pot Still Reserve, Johnny Drum, Willet Family Estate, Kentucky Vintage, Old Bardstown, Pure Kentucky, Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creak and the mysteries Vintage Bourbon or Rye Whiskeys.
When KWA visited Willet we were booked on a Tour called “The Distillery and Grounds Tour”. Our guide Mitch took us around the distillery and to the rickhouses and finally to the tasting. The tasting consisted of Willett Pot Still Reserve, Willet Family Estate Bottled Rye, Rowan´s Creek and Noah´s Mill.
