The Willett Family Estate 8Year Wheated Bourbon is a finely aged wheated bourbon offering a surprising balance of pastry-like sweetness, warm baking spices, and lingering oak complexity. Bottled at a moderate 108 proof without chill filtration, it plays both rich and refinedbut opinions vary on whether it delivers deep enough nuance at its premium price.

Provenance & Craft

• Aged 8 years in char #4 American oak, first fill, then bottle-diluted to 108 proof, non-chill filtered to retain flavor depth

• 2025 release.

Nose

• Sweet pastry aromas: candied almonds, dark brown sugar, confectioners sweetness, maple

• Underlying fruit character: raspberry skins, figlike richness, plus gentle oak spice in cinnamon and clove

Palate

• Mouthfeel: Plush and fluffy, echoing the sweet, dessert-like nose

• Flavors: Heavy oak and warming spice (tobacco, cinnamon, dusty chestnut), with a buried fruit notepomegranate/raisinand a faint chocolate edge

• Some reviewers highlight an unusual grapelike sweetness resembling artificial grape juice or starfruit, adding a unique twist

Finish

• Medium length; evolves to oak tannins, burnt caramel or toffee, and fading baking spice

• Finish also leans toward bakers chocolate and sweet oakthough some find the fruity dimensions slump toward the end

Who Its For

• Wheated bourbon lovers seeking refined oak, spice, and baking sweetness.

• Collectors & curious drinkers drawn to Willetts estate expressions.

• Ideal neat or on icethough some fruitier notes open up with dilution

Final Take

Willetts 8Year Wheated Bourbon is a lusciously spiced and sweet bourbon with suave barrel character. Its plush mouthfeel and warm cinnamon-and-chocolate depth make it enjoyable. However, if you’re looking for layered complexity through to the finishespecially at its price pointexpect some variance in satisfaction. Its best considered a polished, comforting whiskey rather than an adventurous sip.