Whiskey Review: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

Introduction

Today we’re reviewing a whiskey with a bit of a reputation: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon. This bottle has become something of a polarizing figure in the whiskey world—some folks love it, others can’t stand it.

Willett first launched this bourbon in 2008, initially as a single barrel release. By 2011, they quietly changed it to a small batch, with batches capped at 12 barrels. For years, this was sourced whiskey—most assumed it came from Heaven Hill. But as of 2024, we can confirm that it’s now 100% distilled by Willett, using a pot still as the name and iconic bottle suggest.

The whiskey clocks in at 94 proof, and while the mash bill isn’t disclosed, it’s believed to be Willett’s weeded bourbon recipe. No age statement appears on the bottle, and prices hover around $57, depending on your state.

This whiskey has been off our radar for years, so we were eager to revisit it with fresh eyes—and fresh palates.

This review is taken from our episode "Independence Day / Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Brad:
The nose was decent. I got vanilla cake, a really dark raspberry note, and I’m going to call it ‘dusty attic.’ Not a bad nose, just kind of average.
Score: 7/10

Bob:
My first note was the Willett freaking funk. Not just Willett funk—this was concentrated. I don’t know how they’ve kept that signature profile across sourcing and now in-house distillation, but here it is. That signature rose petal note is super present.

But underneath it, I got something weird: burnt paper. Not char, not smoke—like actual paper accidentally caught on fire. It’s not a bad nose, but that note gave me pause.
Score: 7/10

Taste

Brad:
I got a note that reminded me of cherry juice I had in Ukraine—fresh, juicy, and really vibrant. Then I picked up some Coca-Cola, salted caramel, and even a little salted peanut. It’s interesting, but I wasn’t blown away.
Score: 6.5/10

Bob:
Same score for me. It’s unique, and I’m kind of envious that you pulled out all those notes, because I found this really lacking in flavor. It was kind of absent on the front of the palate, and only showed up mid-palate and beyond.

It reminded me of Noah’s Mill—but without the sweetness. The mouthfeel was pleasant. It drinks like a higher-end whiskey, but with surprisingly little flavor. On my second sip, it almost reminded me of a blended scotch. Definitely didn’t feel like a weeded bourbon to me.
Score: 6.5/10

Finish

Bob:
Nice chest burn. A really solid oak base. Honestly, it’d make a good cocktail whiskey—it has all the structural backbone but not enough flavor to stand alone. Perfectly fine, just not particularly expressive.
Score: 6.5/10

Brad:
The finish reminded me of egg whites in a whiskey sour. Not that I eat egg whites straight, but it had that same creamy texture. There was black pepper, tobacco, and it turned a bit ashy as it lingered. Still, this was my favorite part of the whiskey.
Score: 7.5/10

Balance

Brad:
I’ll give it a 6/10 on balance. It’s a weird mix of flavors—fascinating, but I don’t know if it all works together.

Bob:
I actually went 7.5/10 on balance. It’s consistent across the experience. If you like what it’s doing, you’ll like it from start to finish. It’s a whiskey with backbone but not much else, and that simplicity makes it feel cohesive.

Value

Bob:
In Ohio, this is going for $57, which makes this my lowest score of the review. There’s no age statement, it's only 94 proof, and the flavor doesn’t do enough to justify the cost. The bottle looks great—but that’s not what you’re drinking.
Score: 5.5/10

Brad:
I’m right there with you. 5/10 on value. There’s just so many better things to spend almost $60 on. It’s a fascinating whiskey that inspires conversation, but it’s just not one I’d choose to buy over something like Rare Breed or Quinta Ruban.

Final Scores

Bob:
I’m at a 33/50. For the second week in a row, I’m telling people to just buy Noah’s Mill at the same price and proof it down. It’s a better pour.

Brad:
I landed at 32/50. It’s a well-made whiskey, and I think some people will really love it—but I’m not one of them. If this were $10 cheaper, I’d probably be at or just above 35. But once you’re over $50, a whiskey has to really earn that cost. And this just doesn’t get there for me.

Combined Average:
32.5/50, or 65/100 overall.

Bob:
That puts us under our 35/50 threshold, where we start recommending a pour or a bottle. I’m not opposed to this whiskey—it’s fine—but the price really drags it down.

Conclusion

With a final score of 32.5/50, Willett Pot Still Reserve lands just below our threshold for recommendation. While the bottle is iconic and the whiskey has a devoted following, we found it to be more interesting than satisfying. It’s well-made and balanced, but it just doesn’t bring the flavor—or value—to justify its price point.

For us, 35/50 is where we start recommending a pour or a bottle, 40/50 is great, and 45/50 is excellent. Willett Pot Still Reserve is undeniably unique, and some people will love its floral, dusty profile. But unless you’re already a Willett fan or just love collecting bottles, you may want to spend that $57 elsewhere.