Old Bardstown is the original flagship Willett family bourbon, distilled, aged, and bottled at Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky from the original family recipe dating back to the 1940s. Named after the Calumet Farm thoroughbred racehorse of the same name, Old Bardstown is built on Willett's signature 72% corn, 13% rye, and 15% malted barley mash bill, an unusually generous proportion of malted barley that gives the bourbon its slightly herbaceous, rye forward character. Twice distilled using a column still and Vendome copper pot still, aged for a minimum of four years in new char number four American oak barrels, and bottled at 90 proof, this is honest, everyday Kentucky bourbon at a working person's price. The current release debuted in 2016 with a label that reproduces the original artwork from Thompson Willett's era, making it a nostalgic classic with genuine distillery pedigree that punches well above its price point.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Willett Distillery, Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. (Kulsveen family) |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Mash Bill |
72% Corn, 13% Rye, 15% Malted Barley |
| Distillation |
Column still and Vendome copper pot still |
| Maturation |
New char #4 American oak, minimum 4 years, NAS |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky (Bardstown) |
| Packaging |
Classic cream label reproducing original Thompson Willett era artwork |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber with golden highlights.
Nose: Cinnamon and baking spice up front, with pineapple upside down cake, sweet caramel, and a mineral hint of flint. Soft orchard fruit sits in the background.
Palate: Smooth and medium bodied with butterscotch, apple skin, allspice, and vanilla. A gentle rye forward lift from the high malted barley content adds complexity to the soft corn sweetness.
Finish: Dry and clean with lingering tropical fruit, baking spice, and a touch of toasted oak.
FAQ
Who makes Old Bardstown Bourbon?
Old Bardstown is distilled, aged, and bottled by the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Unlike many value bourbons at this price point, Old Bardstown is Willett's own distillate, not sourced from another producer. It shares the same 72/13/15 mash bill used in several Willett house brands.
What is the difference between Old Bardstown 90 Proof and Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond?
The 90 Proof is the widely distributed everyday bottling. Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond is a 100 proof Kentucky only release and Old Bardstown Estate Bottled steps up to 101 proof with around six years of age. All three share the same core mash bill, with proof and age being the main differentiators.
How does Old Bardstown compare to other Willett products?
Old Bardstown is the value end of the Willett portfolio, built to highlight younger barrels at an accessible price, while the Willett Family Estate Single Barrel, Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, and Pot Still Reserve showcase older stock and alternative mash bills. It is an excellent entry point to the Willett house style for cocktail work or everyday pouring.
Where can I buy Old Bardstown Bourbon online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
