Pure Kentucky XO is a robust, richly flavored small batch bourbon from the well regarded Willett Distillery, also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, in Bardstown, Kentucky. It belongs to Willett's boutique small batch collection, a lineup of characterful bourbons that also includes Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, Kentucky Vintage, and Johnny Drum, each known for offering serious quality and proof at an approachable price. The XO on the label stands for extra old, a nod to the extended maturity of the whiskey inside, and while current releases carry no age statement, the brand has long been associated with well aged stock that delivers depth beyond its modest price. Built from a blend of mash bills aged separately in new charred number four American oak barrels and married after maturity, then hand bottled at a hearty 107 proof, it is full bodied and flavorful yet remarkably smooth and drinkable for its strength. A multiple award winner, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Pure Kentucky XO has earned a reputation as one of the best kept secrets in bourbon. Expect an intense, inviting aroma of sweet vanilla, cedar, toffee, and oak, a palate layered with spicy rye, vanilla, maple syrup, caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of cherry, and a long, gently salty, smooth finish carrying continued vanilla and oak. Its combination of age, proof, and value make it a standout everyday pour and a rewarding introduction to the Willett small batch family. Enjoy it neat, over a large cube, or in a bourbon forward cocktail.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Willett Distillery / Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (Kulsveen family) |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Pure Kentucky XO, Small Batch |
| Maturation |
New Charred #4 American Oak; multiple mash bills blended after maturity |
| Age |
No Age Statement (historically described as extra old) |
| ABV |
53.5% |
| Proof |
107 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich amber.
Nose: Sweet vanilla, cedar, toffee, and oak.
Palate: Full bodied, with spicy rye, vanilla, maple syrup, caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of cherry.
Finish: Long and smooth, slightly salty, with continued vanilla and oak.
FAQ
Who makes Pure Kentucky XO? It is produced by the Willett Distillery, also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, in Bardstown, Kentucky, as part of their boutique small batch collection.
What does XO mean? XO stands for extra old, referring to the extended maturity of the bourbon. Current bottles carry no specific age statement.
What proof is it? It is hand bottled at a robust 107 proof, or 53.5 percent ABV.
How is it made? It is built from multiple mash bills aged separately in new charred number four American oak barrels and blended after maturity, in the small batch tradition.
Is it a bourbon? Yes. It is an authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged and bottled in Kentucky.
Where can I buy Pure Kentucky XO online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
