Willett Family Reserve, (Barrel #81L31), 25 year old, 45.1, $175
Very mellow, silky in texture, and on the sweet side for such a mature bourbon. It’s not bold like Parker’s Heritage Collection 27 year old bourbon, which has much more oak spice and resin. Willett’s foundation of molasses and toffee is accentuated by candied fruit, fig, dusty corn, and tobacco, with mint tea, cinnamon and vanilla peppered throughout. It’s perilously drinkable. I am impressed how these 20-plus year old Willett rye and bourbon whiskeys maintain their balance and keep the oak in check. Could this whiskey be too easy-drinking? I’m nit-picking. A splendid ultra-mature bourbon. (Less than 100 bottles of this was sent to California, and not all the same barrel. Happy hunting.)

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 95