Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:23 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Willett Pot Still Reserve vs Woodford Reserve in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Willett Pot Still vs Woodford Reserve: Comparison
Willett: Sweet with a hint of spice, featuring caramel and fruit notes. Great for casual enjoyment. Rated as approachable.
Woodford Reserve: Balanced with mint, cinnamon, and vanilla. Perfect for everyday sipping. Rated as versatile.
Verdict: Both Willett and Woodford Reserve shine with their own merits; Willett for its sweet simplicity, Woodford Reserve for its smooth balance, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Bourbon Best Picks Under $40
Willett: Sweet & Spicy
- Nose: French toast, caramel, oak
- Palate: Brown sugar, fruit, oak, spice
- Finish: Oak, leather, spice
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Buffalo Trace
French Toast & Caramel Dreams: Take a whiff, and Willett’s aroma might remind you of French toast dusted with caramel and a touch of oak – comforting and familiar.
Fruit & Spice Kiss: On the palate, it leans sweet with notes of ripe fruit, though some find it a bit thin. Subtle oak, caramel, and a hint of bitterness peek through, with minimal warmth.
Decent Finish, Spiced Up: The finish lingers with spice and oak, and maybe a touch of apple. Not mind-blowing, but pleasant.
Easy Sipping, Not Complex: While Willett doesn’t boast intricate layers of flavor, it’s easy to drink and enjoyable. Think casual sips, not deep dives. Plus, the decanter looks great on your bar cart!
Bonus Willett Bits:
- Made with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley for a distinctive sweetness.
- Aged 8-10 years, adding some depth.
- Gold Medal winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition!
So, grab a bottle? If you want a relaxed sipper with sweet notes and a bit of spice, Willett’s a good choice. But if you crave complex flavor journeys, explore other options. Remember, this isn’t Willett’s own distillate, so the story behind the taste comes from another distillery.
Woodford Reserve: Sweet, Spicy, & Silky Smooth (But Not Complex)
- Nose: Rich in mint, honey, vanilla, citrus
- Palate: Sweet oak, cinnamon, mint, ripe fruit
- Finish: Lingering warmth and caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Eagle Rare
Hints of Mint & Caramel: Take a sniff, and Woodford welcomes you with notes of wood, mint, vanilla, and caramel – a sweet and enticing invitation.
Spicy Oak & Fruity Delight: On the palate, it’s smooth and sweet with bursts of oak, cinnamon, mint, and even a touch of fruit. Think warm spice cake with a creamy finish.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is sweet, warm, and hangs around pleasantly, leaving you wanting another sip. No harshness here!
Balanced & Crowd-Pleasing: This bourbon is all about balance. Smooth, flavorful, and with a touch of spice and toasty oak, it appeals to both bourbon beginners and seasoned drinkers.
Everyday Sipping Bliss: Whether you enjoy it neat or on the rocks, Woodford Reserve makes a great everyday sipper. Perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Bonus Woodford Bites:
- Made with 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% barley for a unique flavor profile.
- Aged 7 years in a special “heat cycling” warehouse for precise aging.
- Award-winning! Gold and double gold medals at prestigious competitions.
- Part of the Brown Forman family, alongside Jack Daniel’s and Old Forester.
Grab a bottle? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon with a hint of complexity, Woodford Reserve is a winner. But if you crave intensely deep flavors, explore other aged options.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Willett Pot Still | $55 |
| Woodford Reserve | $40 |