Johnny Drum Private Stock Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

For much of its history, like all of Willett's portfolio, Johnny Drum wasn't distilled by Willett itself and was instead sourced from undisclosed Kentucky distilleries. A lot has changed over the last decade, with many of Willett's whiskeys — Johnny Drum included — now being produced in-house by Willett themselves. Now that Willett is distilling it, there is a more distinct taste that radiates from it that enhances the overall sip, with enhanced red fruit notes helping it be more memorable in its current state.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A lovely scented nose of vanilla custard, red berries, caramel-drizzled French toast, ripe apples, and melted white chocolate. Despite the big wave of sweets, the nose is very botanical overall, suggesting a high rye content. Spicy cinnamon, ginger, oak, and caramel. 

Palate: A nice oily mouthfeel with interesting flavors of almond meal, apple dumplings, cinnamon, cardamom, and fresh oak wood. Rye notes come through here and there — it's almost like a young, high-rye mashbill bourbon. Notes of roasted peanuts, warm cinnamon, and vanilla are complemented by touches of oak and honey. 

Finish: Sweet mint, pine, baked apples, cinnamon, and tobacco leaf all leave a pleasant aftertaste that is never bitter, but continues to remind you of a rye whiskey rather than a typical bourbon. Smooth yet bold, with lingering spices nestled against hints of citrus and chocolate.