Willett's Family Estate Small Batch "Purple Top" 128.6 proof

Willett Family Estate Small Batch "Purple Top" is a 128.6 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Willett Distillery in Bardstown, made by fifth-generation Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen. This release brings the iconic Purple Top experience—distinguished by its metallic purple foil neck wrap and high-energy house style—to a small batch format, blending approximately 50 carefully selected barrels of 4-year-old bourbon for consistent quality and broader availability than the ultra-limited single barrel Purple Tops that command premium prices on the secondary market. The mashbill approach is what sets this bourbon apart: Kulsveen marries two classic Willett recipes, one built on 70-72% corn with 13% rye and 15% barley, the other a high-rye mash of 52% corn, 38% rye, and 10% barley, creating exceptional depth and the spice-forward character that has made Willett's in-house distillate legendary among Chicago bourbon enthusiasts. Willett Distillery operates as DSP-KY-78 in Bardstown, Kentucky, where the Kulsveen family has maintained control of production and blending for five generations. This bourbon is barreled at 125 proof and bottled at cask strength without filtration, allowing the full barrel influence to come through. The 4-year age statement reflects Willett's commitment to transparency—younger whiskey, yes, but proofed high and built for intensity rather than polish. The dual-mashbill approach gives Kulsveen flexibility to balance sweetness and spice across each small batch release, ensuring that every bottle carries the punchy, vivid profile that defines the Purple Top line without the single-barrel variance. The nose opens with dry, waxy aromatics—honey, lemon butterscotch, and a hint of oak char. The palate delivers bold cinnamon, vanilla, toffee, and red fruit, backed by robust barrel tannins and a touch of tobacco, all wrapped in warming alcohol without overwhelming heat. The high-rye component brings the spice; the corn-forward base holds the structure. The finish is long and drying, with oak and butterscotch lingering well after the sip. At 128.6 proof, this bourbon rewards a splash of water to unlock its layers, though it's built to stand up neat for drinkers who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Pair it with grilled ribeye, dark chocolate, or a post-dinner cigar—this is a bourbon for deliberate moments, not casual sipping. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.