Distillery

Willett

Explore the spirits, production style and story of Willett.

Willett is a family-owned distillery based in Bardstown, Kentucky (USA), known for a range of bourbon and rye whiskeys marketed both as small-batch and single-barrel. The best-known brands include Johnny Drum, Noah’s Mill and Old Bardstown.
bourbon single-barrel bourbon small-batch bourbon rye whiskey independent bottler
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Producer range

Producer range Willett

Spirit categories

bourbon single-barrel bourbon small-batch bourbon rye whiskey independent bottler

Representative products

Whisky Johnny DRum Private Stock 70cl - Willett Whisky Noah’s Mill 70cl - Willett Whisky Old Bardstown 70cl - Willett Whisky Old Bardstown Estate Bottled 70cl - Willett

Raw materials

grains (corn, rye, malted barley)

Casks and ageing vessels

new American oak barrels (charred)
Distillation and production

Distillation and production

Production method

Historically Willett also operated as a bottler using distillates purchased from third parties; since 2012 it has brought its own equipment back online. The company operates distillation units including a column still, a pot still and a "doubler," and uses on-site warehouses for barrel aging.

Distillation

Combined use of column and pot still with a "doubler"; historically part of production was also assembled from purchased distillates, while on-site distillation has increased since 2012.

Ageing

Aging in barrels stored in warehouses; for expressions classified as bourbon, new charred American oak barrels are used according to the product's typical regulations.

Producer history Willett

The company was founded as Willett Distilling Company in 1936 and barreled its first batch in 1937. Over the 20th century the business went through periods of halted production and name changes (including Kentucky Bourbon Distillers - KBD). The Kulsveen family relaunched operations and, beginning in 2012, Willett resumed on-site distillation in addition to continuing to bottle and market its labels.

Production philosophy

Family-managed production that emphasizes Kentucky bourbon tradition and expressions in small-batch and single-barrel formats. It offers both family releases (Willett Family Estate) and historic commercial brands, combining curated bottlings with direct production.

Territory

Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky, United States (historic family-owned site; included in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail circuit - craft/independent tour).

Awards and recognitions

Double Gold (packaging design) - San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2008 (recognition related to the design of the Willett Pot Still Reserve decanter).

Willett

This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.

On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.

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