Pure Kentucky XO

I had Pure Kentucky for the first time at a bar yesterday. It had a great nose, and from the very first sip, I was impressed. So I ran out today and grabbed what turned out to be the last bottle on the shelf of one of my go-to shops... Color: medium amber. Nose: A sweet nose with leather and molasses. Palate: (drank with an ice cube) Slight burn on the first couple sips, but it fades quickly. Sweet corn and chocolate — as in "hot cocoa mix powder". I don't think I have ever gotten THAT from any of the many, many bottles that have come before. I like it! Holiday spices come to the fore as the ice cube melts. Added 11/16/24: Crisp apples on the palate tonight. Nice! Finish: I never really know what to say about the finish, to be honest. I guess you'd consider it a medium finish with the holiday spices being the predominant thing. I do agree with the reviewer who stated that there's not much complexity going on here for a 12-year expression (I initially thought it was a 10-year). But make no mistake — a 12-year at this price point? It's a no-brainer. This has proven to be perhaps the best surprise bottle of 2024. As I said, I scored the last bottle remaining on the shelf. Apparently, this is not too readily-available. So if you see it, grab it. Of the Willett offerings I have had (Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, Pot Still, and now this), I'd put Pure Kentucky at a clear-cut #2, second only to Noah's Mill. Solid 4-stars. I will-ett definitely buy again.

Amber hues accent a dark copper body. Alides down the glass in whole sheets, leaving behind just a few legs. Nose is rich: leather and oak with a hint of vanilla and eucalyptus. Reminds me of richly stocked humidor... Unmistakably Willet... Remided me immediately of Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. Soft on the palate, but not big in body. The initial sweetness is quickly offset by a spicy warmth and a dry oak that borders on a pleasant bitterness. Pipe tobacco, dark salted caramel and notes of milk chocolate come to mind. The finish is medium length, and basic, yet multi dimensional... The herbal/medicinal thing comes bac a bit before trailing off to lingering spice notes and old dry hardwood. A fer drops of water loosens and softens it up a little. This is an outstanding value. At $42 a bottle, its good enough for a repeat!

Nose: spices. Spearmint with some traditional oak and learher not too much burn for 107 proof Taste: Spicy but pretty pleasant not too hot. Getting nice traditional spices on the front end. Quite a nice finish on the end with traditional caramel and oak finish. Thoughts: theres good and bad here but more good. 12 year age statement for a 50 dollar bottle is great value. That being said for a 12 year old bourbon there isnt much complex going on here either. I am a fan of willett but would prefer johnny drum with a similar price tag. Its not the easiest bottle to find so i would say if tou see it by a damn bottle and give it a shot! Not much downside here at the price

Sometimes my friends give incredible blind samples. Sometimes my friends are the worst. This was mixed in a set of blinds from @thechad Nose: honestly this smells like the bottom of a sweaty gym bag. I’m scared to taste it, but I’ve got to give a review to find out what this is. Palate: vegetal bitterness. As I swirled it around my mouth I was getting hints of black licorice but as soon as I swallowed I shuddered and the unmistakable taste of canned green bean juice hit me. I’ve only gotten this note in one whiskey before and this has got to be pure Kentucky. Finish: regret. 6.9/100

Another amazing expression from Willett distillery! On the nose is tobacco and oak, with very slight hints of spearmint and smoke/barrel char. Taste is outstanding: layers and layers of molasses, vanilla, creme brule, and toasted caramel (slight coconut?) that is full bodied and long finishing. Pure Kentucky is hard to find but buy it when you see it and hopefully it's at a great price when you do! Just visit the Willett distillery (where I bought this bottle) and buy a few. A really, really tasty bourbon that can be enjoyed as a digestif/dessert all on its own. 🙂

Pure Kentucky XO Straight Bourbon needs to be uncorked overnight and allowed to sit out for three months after recorking. Otherwise, there is a metallic taste in the flavor. Then the senses will detect exotic aromas of caramel, oak, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The entry is sweet with a palate of charred oak and cinnamon. The finish ends with allspice, cinnamon, pipe tobacco, and The metallic taste is still in the background after 6 months.Very undesirable for a bourbon at this price level.