Rating 93
Style
American Whiskey
Whiskey
Produced In United States
ABV 62.5%
Availability Year Round
Price $69.00 
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2026-02-18

Willett Estate Small Batch Review

Much was expected of this release — if not a lot of trepidation — and it delivers. From the first line of small batch releases to receive the “purple top” packaging designation once given to the brand’s most elite (and sourced) single barrels. This is from Willett's own four-year-old distillate blended from two mashbills and around 50 barrels then bottled at barrel proof, 62.5 percent ABV in this case. It’s spicy and herbal on the nose, a bit dank even with a palate of caramel corn, espresso, and sourdough bread. With a rich and creamy mouthfeel, the finish is a bit grainy, betraying its youth. Longtime Willett stans might be disappointed, but the open-minded will find much to admire.

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93
POINTS
Willett Estate Small Batch
Much was expected of this release — if not a lot of trepidation — and it delivers. From the first line of small batch releases to receive the “purple top” packaging designation once given to the brand’s most elite (and sourced) single barrels. This is from Willett's own four-year-old distillate blended from two mashbills and around 50 barrels then bottled at barrel proof, 62.5 percent ABV in this case. It’s spicy and herbal on the nose, a bit dank even with a palate of caramel corn, espresso, and sourdough bread. With a rich and creamy mouthfeel, the finish is a bit grainy, betraying its youth. Longtime Willett stans might be disappointed, but the open-minded will find much to admire.

Reviewed On: 02-18-2026
93
POINTS
Willett Estate Small Batch
Much was expected of this release — if not a lot of trepidation — and it delivers. From the first line of small batch releases to receive the “purple top” packaging designation once given to the brand’s most elite (and sourced) single barrels. This is from Willett's own four-year-old distillate blended from two mashbills and around 50 barrels then bottled at barrel proof, 62.5 percent ABV in this case. It’s spicy and herbal on the nose, a bit dank even with a palate of caramel corn, espresso, and sourdough bread. With a rich and creamy mouthfeel, the finish is a bit grainy, betraying its youth. Longtime Willett stans might be disappointed, but the open-minded will find much to admire.

Reviewed On: 02-18-2026