Willett is a family-owned distillery that offers an intimate tour experience and features a talented executive chef at their cozy second-floor restaurant, which is sure to impress. As one of the few historic distilleries still in family hands today, Willett is classified as a craft distillery, boasting an impressive selection of high-quality bourbons, including Willett Pot Still Reserve, Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum, and Old Bardstown.
In 2011, Willett opened a Visitors Center adjacent to their distillery, situated among their historic rickhouses in Bardstown. In 2022, they announced a significant investment of $93 million for construction in Springfield, which includes a new distillery, additional rickhouses for aging, and an elevated water storage tank to support fire suppression at the facilities. As demand for their labels continues to grow, their distribution is expanding as well.
The Bar at Willett boasts an impressive bourbon collection alongside an innovative menu of small plates featuring shishito peppers, local cheeses, sandwiches, and other delicacies. Be sure to try the pâté en croûte or octopus. Reservations are highly recommended, as this is one of Bardstown’s most popular dining spots.
The Willett family’s distilling history dates back to the end of the Civil War when John David Willett became the Master Distiller at Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery in Bardstown. Decades later, Thompson Willett established what is now Willett Distillery, launching operations in 1936 following the end of Prohibition. Today, Willett is renowned for its impressive selection of premium bourbons, and they are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
What’s to Love
01 Great brands – Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Old Bardstown, Johnny Drum, and Willett Pot Still.
02 Multiple thoughtfully planned tour options.
03 A nice bar and restaurant on the second floor of the Visitors Center.
04 Willett features one of the most unique bottles, as their Pot Still offering is shaped like a pot still.
Mark Meade is the author of The Bourbon Journey, a travel guide that highlights our iconic bourbon distilleries and the experience of bourbon tourism. This column serves as a natural extension of the book. All rights reserved. For questions or comments, contact the author at [email protected].
