Willett Bourbon Purple Top (6-Year)
Overall Score: 9/10
Overall Value: 4.5/5
Distillery: The Willett Distillery
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Company: The Willett Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 126 (Cask Strength)
Age: 6-Years
Mashbill: 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley
Color: Caramel
MSRP: $200 (2023)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of the Willett Purple Top (6-year) Bourbon is rich and layered, opening with sweet grape notes reminiscent of Welch’s and a touch of red apple. There are also hints of maple syrup, brown sugar, Butterfinger candy bars, toasted marshmallows, and even a playful dryness reminiscent of Pop Rocks. You’ll also notice waffles and cake batter.
The mouthfeel is both light and juicy, yet it fully coats the palate. The initial flavors lean heavily into dark red fruits like grape, fig, and plum, balanced by oak and graham cracker. Additional sips bring out Funfetti cake, funnel cake, honey, salted caramel, and butterscotch. Despite its 130-proof strength, it drinks smoother than expected, closer to 110-proof. This bourbon feels premium and special—perfect for a celebratory pour.
The finish is Long, sustained, and seamless, the finish carries over every note from the nose and palate. There’s no need for new flavors; it’s a continuous journey of the rich sweetness, oak, and indulgent dessert tones that linger beautifully. Even with its high proof, it remains smooth and polished, with no harshness.
Willett Bourbon Purple Top (6-Year) is a standout that lives up to its reputation. Priced with an MSRP of $200+ depending on the age, it may seem steep, but the layers of complexity and exceptional depth make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you grab it at full price or are even willing to spend a little extra, this is a bourbon that feels every bit as luxurious as its price tag suggests.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 9/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Sweet grape juice, like welches.
Maybe just a hint of red apple and an underline of brown sugar.
THE TASTE:
The mouth-feel stays light and juicy, but somehow still really sinks in. It hits those dark red fruits like grape, fig newton, plum.
It brings a sweetness that is well balanced with a bit of oak and graham cracker.
I do get a bit of the proof, but honestly feels like 110 not 130.
THE FINISH:
The finish doesn’t deviate from the palate, which is exactly what I wanted.
I didn’t need new flavors introduced, I just wanted more of what I already had, and the finish is long and sustained.
BUY OR PASS?
The finish doesn’t deviate from the palate, which is exactly what I wanted.
I didn’t need new flavors introduced, I just wanted more of what I already had, and the finish is long and sustained.
The Hunter Says
Score: 9/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Sweet and fruity, with a touch of grape that oddly reminds me of Pop Rocks—sweet but dry.
Maple syrup and Butterfinger candy bars come through, along with waffles, cake batter, and toasted marshmallows.
It’s so layered that I could nose this for hours and still pick up new notes.
THE TASTE:
Absolutely delicious. It’s like drinking Funfetti cake and funnel cake, with honey, salted caramel, and butterscotch rounding out the sweetness.
It drinks like a premium, special occasion bourbon, with an incredible depth of flavor for just six years old.
THE FINISH:
Long and perfect.
Every flavor from the nose and palate lingers beautifully, with zero harshness despite the proof and age.
It’s smooth, rich, and flawless.
BUY OR PASS?
There’s a reason people are willing to drop $200+ on this bottle—it’s just that good. Willett holds a special place in my heart, and this pour is another reminder of why.
Simply put, it’s a masterpiece.
