Willett Family Estate 9 Year Old Single Barrel, Barrel Strength KY Straight Bourbon

Bourbon Review #17: Willett “Family Estate”, 9 Year Old, Single Barrel- Barrel Proof, Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Category: “Boutique”

Price: $85

Availability: Limited (Spring) Release.       

Proof: 119.6, 59.8% avb

Age: Nine Years Old.

Mashbill: Traditional Bourbon      

Distillery: Sourced From Unknown Distillery. Produced by: Willett (KBD)

     After a fortnight aboard the international space station, I touched down in Portland, Oregon. The purpose of my visit was to attend the celebratory wedding of my brother-in-law, and (to be) sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Vincent & Ximena Sliwoski.

     I wanted something special to review for this festive occasion. I also wanted to select something out of my pantry that Vince had not tried. Unfortunately, he had already tried the bourbons that are on the list to be reviewed, while he had not tried the bourbons that I have already reviewed.

     I was hoping to snag a special fall release prior to my trip, but the release did not coincide with my depature. This was going to be trickier than I thought, so I called on my good friend Dr. Joel Kilty.

     Joel came to the rescue with a super-premium bourbon that neither I nor Vince had tried! To add an element of surprise to the show, I asked Joel not to reveal the bourbon that he had chosen.

     On the one hand, this is not my preferred method for reviewing bourbons. Prior to each review, I like to become familiar with a given expression. This involves sampling it multiple times (at least three) over a given period of time. I do this because on more than one occasion, my thoughts have changed from a first encounter compared with future samplings.

     Regardless, I knew that opening the package on the show would add an element of excitement and surprise. I couldn’t help but feel like a kid at Christmas, as I tore into the packaging!

     If you are curious about the Willett/KBD Company, I would invite you to read my previous reviews on their other products. To keep from repeating information, I won’t focus on that topic during this review.

     Vincent is a long over-due special guest on the show. He enjoys good bourbons more than many of my other family members. His lovely bride Ximena was a pleasure to have aboard as well! She is such a kind, warm person, and a marvelous addition to our growing family! I wish them both all the best regarding their future together as husband and wife!

     
     Overall: This is an incredibly balanced bourbon with a drop-kick to the Adam’s-apple! It offers the same level of elegance as the 2013 Parker’s Heritage. It is perhaps a tad-bit sweeter. The major difference is the proof. 2013 Parker’s is 96 proof, while this expression comes in at 119.6. During the episode, I failed to mention the color. It’s basically a bright, golden-amber.

     After returning home, I finished off the last of the sample. I tried it both neat and with a splash of water. The water softened the alcohol, while increasing some liquorish notes, akin to Indian mukhwas. However, I prefer this expression neat. If you plan on adding water, I would recommend a very conservative amount. The Colonel’s score is 9 out of 10!