Popular Kentucky Distillery: Willett Distillery

OriginBardstown, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerWillett Distillery Ltd.
EstablishedFounded in 1936
OwnershipDrew & Janelle Kulsveen

Introduction

Willett Distillery was founded in 1936 by Thompson Willett in Bardstown, Kentucky. The distillery operated until 1984 when it was forced to close due to declining sales and the impact of the Bourbon Bust. In 2012, the Willett family reacquired the distillery and began renovations to restore it to full production. The distillery reopened in 2013 and has since become one of the most acclaimed craft distilleries in the United States.

Some of Willett’s famous product releases include the Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon, first released in 2013, the Willett Pot Still Reserve introduced in 2014, Noah’s Mill, a high-proof small-batch bourbon revived by the Willett family, and Rowan’s Creek, a unique bourbon named after a nearby creek.

Key figures in Willett’s history include founder Thompson Willett, current master distiller Drew Kulsveen, and Britt Kulsveen, the president of Willett Distillery. The distillery has weathered significant historical events such as the Bourbon Bust of the 1980s and the craft distilling renaissance that has fueled its revival since 2012. Willett’s leadership has emphasized honoring the distillery’s legacy while also innovating and pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be.

Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon – This small-batch bourbon is one of Willett’s flagship products, first released in 2013.

Willett Pot Still Reserve – A wheated bourbon that has won numerous awards and accolades.

Pure Kentucky XO – A 12-year-old high-proof small-batch bourbon.

Rowan’s Creek – A unique bourbon named after a nearby creek, first released in the 1990s.

Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye – A popular rye whiskey from Willett’s own distillate, released at 4 years old.

Johnny Drum Black Label – An entry-level blended bourbon from Willett.

Old Bardstown (Bottled-in-Bond) – A 4-year-old bottled-in-bond bourbon.

Noah’s Mill – A high-proof small-batch bourbon revived by the Willett family.

Kentucky Vintage – Another small-batch bourbon in the Willett portfolio.

Timeline

  • Willett Distillery was founded in 1936 by Thompson Willett in Bardstown, Kentucky.
  • The distillery operated until 1984 when it was forced to close due to declining sales and the impact of the Bourbon Bust.
  • In 2012, the Willett family reacquired the distillery and began renovations to restore it to full production.
  • The distillery reopened in 2013 and has since become one of the most acclaimed craft distilleries in the United States.

Famous Product Releases

  • Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon – First released in 2013, this small-batch bourbon has become one of the distillery’s flagship products.
  • Willett Pot Still Reserve – Introduced in 2014, this wheated bourbon has won numerous awards and accolades.
  • Noah’s Mill – A high-proof small-batch bourbon first released in the 1990s and revived by the Willett family.
  • Rowan’s Creek – A unique bourbon named after a nearby creek, first released in the 1990s.

Important People

  • Thompson Willett – Founder of the original Willett Distillery in 1936.
  • Drew Kulsveen – Current master distiller and member of the Willett family, leading the distillery’s revival.
  • Britt Kulsveen – President of Willett Distillery and member of the Willett family.

Historical Events

  • The Bourbon Bust of the 1980s – The economic downturn and declining sales that forced the original Willett Distillery to close in 1984.
  • The Craft Distilling Renaissance – The resurgence of interest in small-batch, artisanal spirits that has fueled Willett’s revival since 2012.
  • Expansion and Renovation – The multi-million dollar investment to restore and expand the Willett Distillery facilities starting in 2012.

Interviews

  • “We’re committed to honoring the legacy of our family’s distilling tradition while also innovating and pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be,” said Drew Kulsveen, master distiller.
  • “Our goal is to create unique, high-quality spirits that reflect the character and history of this place,” said Britt Kulsveen, president of Willett Distillery.

Sources


[1] https://sipwhiskey.com/collections/willet-distillery
[2] https://uproxx.com/life/willett-bourbon-and-rye-whiskey-ranked/
[3] https://thebourbonfinder.com/every-willett-whiskey-reviewed/
[4] https://prestigehaus.com/blog/post/willett-bourbon-review
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/ide5nh/does_anyone_know_what_the_willett_distillery/?rdt=48737