Willet

For American whiskey enthusiasts, Willett has long been one of the most respected names in Kentucky. The family distillery in Bardstown dates back to 1936, when Thompson Willett began producing bourbon on land that had already been associated with whiskey production for generations. After decades of sourcing and bottling exceptional barrels, the modern Willett Distillery returned to distilling its own whiskey in 2012 under the leadership of Drew and Kulsveen Willett.

Today, Willett produces a range of distinctive bourbons and ryes known for their depth, structure, and expressive barrel character. The distillery’s small-scale approach allows for careful control over mash bills, fermentation, and barrel selection.

From the cult-favorite purple-top single barrels to the estate-distilled releases now reaching maturity, Willett remains one of the most sought-after producers in American whiskey.