Willett Debuts Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon

Iconic Pot Still Decanter Debuts at Cask Strength, Released Semi-Annually at the Equinoxes

Bardstown, Kentucky-based Willett Distillery has announced the launch of Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength, an uncut, barrel-proof edition of its small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This wheated bourbon will be bottled in the brand's instantly recognizable pot still-shaped decanter, continuing its signature visual heritage.

The whiskey is slated for two regular releases each year, timed precisely to coincide with the seasonal shifts of the spring and autumn equinoxes. According to the distillery, this release schedule is intended to complement two distinct drinking occasions—from lighter, refreshing spring serves like the mint julep to richer, more robust neat pours as the weather cools in autumn.

Mash Bill Specifications and Aging Details

In terms of recipe specifications, Willett Pot Still Reserve Cask Strength features a mash bill of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley. The spirit enters the barrel at an entry proof of 115. As maturation varies from batch to batch, the final bottling strength will vary and will be printed directly on the front label of each bottle.

Honoring Patented Distillation and Family Heritage

The decanter design remains the centerpiece of this release. Created by the late Even Kulsveen, the bottle mirrors the exact shape of the patented pot still manufactured for Willett by Vendome Copper and Brass. This distinctive design has long commanded attention across bar shelves and retail displays, forging an enduring connection between the whiskey, the distillation equipment, and the family behind it.

Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen noted that the pot still bottle is inextricably linked to the Willett identity, carrying forward Even Kulsveen's vision each time it is displayed or poured. He added that introducing this whiskey at cask strength offers enthusiasts a completely new way to experience the wheated mash bill, showcasing undiluted full proof and rich body in a bottle steeped in family significance.

Willett whiskey carries deep roots in the Kentucky bourbon industry. Although Willett Distillery was officially founded by Thompson Willett in 1936, the family's distilling history predates that era. Operating out of Bardstown, the company also earned acclaim as an independent bottler, sourcing and packaging spirits under the Willett name. The widely recognized standard Willett Pot Still Reserve was first introduced in 2008.

📅 Release Date: 2026-09-23

🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash