Willett 24 year bourbon, Barrel 2007/23, Warehouse C, Rick N-11, 98/120, 50% abv.

Japan import (export?), released when Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) were satisfying the Japanese demand for bourbon, in particular aged bourbons. Interestingly, I feel this Japanese "investment" helped many bourbon companies during the rough times in the 80s and 90s, and has now paid off dividends as it's pretty obvious Japan has many of the legendary and proven American malt products. I don't know many details of the 2007/xx bottles, but I've heard (afterwards) that they are legendary. We also had 2007/22, couldn't tell the difference between the two bottles.

Nose: wow, could not tell its a bourbon. Strong grape flesh, caramel, sweetness, fresh fruits, honey potpourri almost, fruity madness. Nose didn't chang with time.

Palate: strong flavors, slightly tannic, nutty, pasty, oats, turpentine, very hard to describe somwhere between an Islay mafia and a sweet Speyside malt. This is amazing stuff.

Finish: short, hint of temporary spice.

This was an extreme bourbon. The aromas were more on the fruity scotch side and the flavor was strong in all prevalent aspects. Very hard to describe but definitely unique and thoroughly enjoyable. Seriously, couldn't tell it was a bourbon, seemed more like a classy, fully refined mainland Scotch. A definite favorite in my book.

Grade: A

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.98 ± 0.26 on 16 reviews (all ages for bourbons)
Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:461, 87 points (for 2007/31)

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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