Willet Speakeasy Bourbon
Overall Score: 5.5/10
Overall Value: 2.75/5
Distillery: The Willett Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: The Willett Distillery
Release Date: Fall 2024
Proof: 98
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 79% Corn, 7% Rye and 14% Barley
Color: Butter
MSRP: $40 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the Willet Speakeasy Bourbon is light and fruity, with notes of strawberry banana and orange creamsicle, along with a subtle hint of oak. Some might also pick up earthy tones, possibly a hint of rye spice, despite the high corn mash bill.
The mouthfeel is notably oily, and the flavor starts off with a crisp red apple profile that gradually shifts toward green apple and oak. While there's a bit of alcohol bite, indicating its youthful age, it’s not overwhelming. The rye spice from the nose reappears on the palate, though the flavors remain basic and easygoing—perfect for casual sipping.
The finish brings more charred oak but loses some of the sweetness from the palate. While not particularly long-lasting, it’s smooth and without rough edges, making it approachable even for those new to bourbon.
Willet Speakeasy Bourbon is a light and uncomplicated pour that shines in its simplicity. It may not have the depth or complexity of some high-end bottles, but it's an easy-to-drink bourbon with enough flavor to enjoy on its own or in a cocktail.
At its $40 MSRP, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth, approachable bourbon at a reasonable price. While it doesn’t bring a lot of excitement, its easygoing nature makes it a great option for those low-key moments, especially during summer.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
It’s light and fruity.
I get both strawberry, banana, and orange creamsicle, with just the slightest hint of oak.
THE TASTE:
Very oily mouthfeel. Initially, it tastes like biting into a crisp red apple.
The apple profile lingers but moves towards green apple and oak.
There is a bit of an astringent alcohol profile that indicates a more youthy bourbon.
THE FINISH:
The finish has a very charred oak flavor and loses a bit of the sweetness from the palate.
It doesn’t last particularly long either.
BUY OR PASS?
It’s a pretty light and fairly easy to drink bourbon. It doesn’t provide much excitement in the way of bourbon, but the palate is probably the best part.
It’s subtle enough that it probably makes a good mixer in most drinks.
The Hunter Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Light and earthy, with a surprising hint of rye spice—even though it’s a bourbon, which might be the 7% rye in the mashbill.
There’s something about it that reminds me of paper or old books. The high corn mash bill could be playing tricks on me here.
THE TASTE:
I’m still getting some of that rye spice on the palate.
It definitely has a youthful vibe but still carries some complexity
There aren’t any standout flavors—it's basic but not in a bad way. It’s easygoing and definitely not harsh.
THE FINISH:
Not much complexity to the finish, but there’s also no roughness.
It’s what some folks might call "smooth," in the simple, straightforward sense.
BUY OR PASS?
This is easy drinking, perfect for when you just want a good, uncomplicated sipper. There’s not much to dig into, but that’s okay.
It’s a great summer bourbon for those days when you want something low-key and don’t need a high-proof monster.
