I first tasted Pure Kentucky XO blind from an advent calendar I was drinking in November. I was blown away, BUT almost all of the other samples had been 90pf, and this one was 107pf, which I didn't know while sampling it. I rated it higher then any of the others I had from the calendar, up to that point, and once I figured out what it was, decided to go out and find a bottle. It didn't live up to my first tasting, but I still think it is pretty awesome for $35 and relatively easy to find.
Some people crap on Dickel, unfortunately for me, I cannot seem to get into Willett. From the purple label bourbons, to Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum and Pure KY, I cannot seem to adjust to the flavor profile. This is why you should taste it for yourself and not rely upon others.
To me this finishes date/fig in a big way. I love Pure KY for how polarizing it is. This is a top 5 every day drinker for me. Could be how much some people hate it that makes it taste so good to me too. 🤘🥃
Thx Jason, now I won't ignore Pure Kentucky anymore but give it a chance for a ride to the register. I've always enjoy Baker's and wondered why more folks don't buy it...Weller 107 is always a nice pour...cheers Bro.
Pure Kentucky is a nice pour that I usually pick up during my road trips into its home state. It is indeed "a spicy meatball" of a bourbon. This one flies under the radar, but it's pretty solid.
I had an older bottle, probably 2019 and it was better than the new bottle. I was opening this bottle and saw you had this up. Coincidence, but I got to taste it as you were. I got a little citrus, orange dream (vanilla orange) type thing goin' on coupled with that long spice. A bit of ethanol with the bottle opening and first nosing. Not my fav, but the Noah's Mill has an acetone alcohol nose, which is less attractive. Love the finishes of both those Willett offerings. And yes, first sip of the day and it assaults the back of the throat! I don't remember the older bottle being so harsh. Oh well. It's more approachable with a sliver of ice, about a 1/16 of a standard cube. I just splash the tray and freeze a sliver at the bottom for stuff like this.
Interesting. You know how some folks will buy based off the bottle appearance? I think this one is an instance of avoiding purchase based on the appearance. I've seen this often, but always passed because of the gaudy label.
First sip for me tasted exactly like Willett Pot Still. That sparked me to look up and confirm it was Willett (I didnt bother looking at who made it when I grabbed the bottle). Hope it gets better because WPS is a drain pour for me
Great 'game show voice' Jason, 'a la peanut bitter sandwiches!', Neville Smiley all day long. This stuff is still really tough to get in the UK, but I'll always try to get good bourbon when I can. Cheers man!
What are the best days to look for certain bourbons in OH? For instance, Tuesday mornings is when Virginia ABC is restocked or the truck has been checked into the Northern Virginia area.
Seems I have the in between bottle style of Pure Ky xo, mine is the old bottle with cap but the medallion is the gold not white, stuff is unique to say the least, dont like this very much but its so different I keep going back to it, it reminds me of this bottle of garlic juice in the cupboard when I was a kid, it was terrible but it was so offensive in a unique way I kept smelling it just to re-remind how strangely bad it was. I don't know if they are related but I feel like this is similar to Johnny Drum and Noahs Mill barrels that didn't make the cut.
been waiting a long time to hear your thoughts on Pure KY! Although I figured you'd like it more, I'm glad you didn't LOVE it causing the hype factor on it!
Random question for Jason or anyone else on here…price aside, which would you grab first….Weller 12 Year, Kentucky Owl Batch 10 or Michters 10 Year. Thanks in advance!
Willett, especially WFE and Noah's Mill are always available in my bar. Pure Kentucky is pleasant enough but since I have over 10 bottles of OWA107, kind of hard to bring in another 107 proof bourbon
@@kamahhl didn't mean to brag. I just started buying up owa107 in 2017 when it started gaining popularity. If I wanted to brag, I would have mentioned my various bottlings of Woodinville and purple foil WFE....😁
I did on my livestream with Chris Fletcher and Lexie Phillips. I really liked it. But yes its still has a smoothness to it. Not a super long finish but the flavors are intersting for a Jack. Lots of dark fruits.
What’s the most readily available Texas whiskey over there? Got some pretty good (admittedly spicy oak forward) Tx whiskeys to try, haven’t seen one in your channel.
@@TheMashandDrum Balcones is one of my favorite distillers down here. I don’t recall seeing a review on it from you. Btw, as far as actual reviewing drams go, this is my go-to channel! Love the format and execution. 👏🏻
I'm really liking the Pot still version of Balcones-- VERY Different, but very good pour,unusual, but spicy good mouth coating and I'm very pleased with the pick- up from Total Wine---
Well here in Toronto ...even though we're a huge city... we get pretty limited selections of bourbon and almost have to check every few days to see what's new. Honestly the Bakers 7 has been relatively easy to purchase as far as availability. It's priced up there in the top of the range just under $100. It is without doubt the number 1 drink people like who have tried my selection of bourbons. It has a smoothness and complexity that appeals to most people I know. Not overly sweet or oaky and for those who love the Bookers 62% plus alcohol content style this does a decent job and of course for a helluva lot less money .... Still not cheap. If I only had two to choose I would stick with Knob Creek 100 or 120 proof or the Bakers 7. Actually there is a Bakers 13 which I am told is pretty impressive ... of course impossible to source from our liquor stores . Comes in and goes out but hugely overpriced. I'll stick to the Bakers. If no one wants it... too bad ... better for me Just wish it were cheaper.
If companies change the juice in the bottle they should have to give it a new name. It doesn't seem fair to consumers to sell what should be a new product under the same name. Any changes to mash bill or distillation location or sourcing location and any other significant change should be a new product name even if it was something as small as calling this one, for example, Pure Kentucky XP.
Picked up a bottle of this last year and it was just horrible, and that’s that I’m not picky on bourbon, I like pretty much everything, maybe it was just a bad bottle which I’m hoping that was the issue
Tough comparison being that the Baker's is about twice the price with the Weller over $100 if you can find it. But the labeling on the PK. Looks like a cheap rum. They should reimagine it for future releases. Not appealing at all.
I first tasted Pure Kentucky XO blind from an advent calendar I was drinking in November. I was blown away, BUT almost all of the other samples had been 90pf, and this one was 107pf, which I didn't know while sampling it. I rated it higher then any of the others I had from the calendar, up to that point, and once I figured out what it was, decided to go out and find a bottle. It didn't live up to my first tasting, but I still think it is pretty awesome for $35 and relatively easy to find.
" my Game 🎮 Show voice "😂😂😂❤ EPIC comment 😎 👌 Jason! --cheers from ETn Smoky Mtns.
Some people crap on Dickel, unfortunately for me, I cannot seem to get into Willett. From the purple label bourbons, to Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum and Pure KY, I cannot seem to adjust to the flavor profile. This is why you should taste it for yourself and not rely upon others.
To me this finishes date/fig in a big way. I love Pure KY for how polarizing it is. This is a top 5 every day drinker for me. Could be how much some people hate it that makes it taste so good to me too. 🤘🥃
Can't recall if I've had the new one though. Hope they didn't screw with my PKY!!
Wooo
Thx Jason, now I won't ignore Pure Kentucky anymore but give it a chance for a ride to the register. I've always enjoy Baker's and wondered why more folks don't buy it...Weller 107 is always a nice pour...cheers Bro.
Pure Tucky!! That’s a spicy meatball!
-New Willett marketing strategy.
Pure Kentucky is a nice pour that I usually pick up during my road trips into its home state. It is indeed "a spicy meatball" of a bourbon. This one flies under the radar, but it's pretty solid.
Thanks for reviewing this one. I always passed it up, largely because it looked a little hokey to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The older bottlings are soo much better, and fruiter. Oddly you can still find older bottlings hanging out and they compete with purple tops.
Great video Jason and interesting comparison in bonus time. Always love that aspect of your videos. Baker’s all day, everyday from those three.
That new baker's made me a bourbon lover
Picked a bottle up in West TN yesterday. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for doing this review, I've passed this up a million times. Guess I'll have to give it a shot now
Nice video - thanks!
I had an older bottle, probably 2019 and it was better than the new bottle. I was opening this bottle and saw you had this up. Coincidence, but I got to taste it as you were. I got a little citrus, orange dream (vanilla orange) type thing goin' on coupled with that long spice. A bit of ethanol with the bottle opening and first nosing. Not my fav, but the Noah's Mill has an acetone alcohol nose, which is less attractive. Love the finishes of both those Willett offerings. And yes, first sip of the day and it assaults the back of the throat! I don't remember the older bottle being so harsh. Oh well. It's more approachable with a sliver of ice, about a 1/16 of a standard cube. I just splash the tray and freeze a sliver at the bottom for stuff like this.
Thanks for comparing it with the Bakers and Wellers. That really helps get better context before committing to a purchase.
What’s on the shelf Wednesday, try Journeymen Distillery Corsets and Whips. Love to hear your review.
I get prune whip on this.. my grandmas prune whip.. delicious
i sent this one to the vault. its not bad for the price, a good average daily sipper.
Interesting. You know how some folks will buy based off the bottle appearance? I think this one is an instance of avoiding purchase based on the appearance. I've seen this often, but always passed because of the gaudy label.
I thought this was a new BT product based on the looks of that bottle 😂
Hi Jason, great video man. Thank you! I think I have a good idea for your "double bass". I think Pikesville and Rare Breed Rye are good candidates.
As always man. Love this series. I passed on these when in KY. May have to grab one when I go back. Thanks for always great content and notes
First sip for me tasted exactly like Willett Pot Still. That sparked me to look up and confirm it was Willett (I didnt bother looking at who made it when I grabbed the bottle). Hope it gets better because WPS is a drain pour for me
Great 'game show voice' Jason, 'a la peanut bitter sandwiches!', Neville Smiley all day long. This stuff is still really tough to get in the UK, but I'll always try to get good bourbon when I can. Cheers man!
Two WOTSW suggestions: Breckenridge Bourbon and Hirsch Small Batch Reserve
Is this allocated? I can’t find it in any stores in IL.
Great Video, and great review!!!
Wish I would’ve seen this before buying it lol. With tax came out to $50 🤦🏻♂️ but let’s give it a go 👍. Cheers Jason
I recently bought this on a whim. I got strong spearmint with it which I unfortunately was not a fan of. I’ll go back to it after it opens up a little
I'll have a Blanton's and White Claw please, and play some Nickelback bro!!!
Thanks for doing this. I picked up a bottle last month while I was in Texas but haven't cracked it yet. Have you reviewed Kentucky Vintage yet?
Thanks for saving me $45.
Would like to see Old Bardstown Estate, 101 proof non chill filtered
Was thinking a whole Willett lineup taste off while watching- j drum, pureky, old bard, KY Vintage...
What are the best days to look for certain bourbons in OH? For instance, Tuesday mornings is when Virginia ABC is restocked or the truck has been checked into the Northern Virginia area.
Every store here is different, you would have to shop there and ask, there’s some every day of the week.
@@dwood82 ok cool, i was going to plan a road trip to collect some bourbon.
Why is Willett whiskey so hard to find?
Not a lot of product is made every year
Can this be found in Ohio, I don't think I've seen it at any of the liquor stores i frequent.
I was wondering the same thing ?
I wasn't thrilled by the Weller, it took me a long time, to finish the bottle.
Seems I have the in between bottle style of Pure Ky xo, mine is the old bottle with cap but the medallion is the gold not white, stuff is unique to say the least, dont like this very much but its so different I keep going back to it, it reminds me of this bottle of garlic juice in the cupboard when I was a kid, it was terrible but it was so offensive in a unique way I kept smelling it just to re-remind how strangely bad it was. I don't know if they are related but I feel like this is similar to Johnny Drum and Noahs Mill barrels that didn't make the cut.
been waiting a long time to hear your thoughts on Pure KY! Although I figured you'd like it more, I'm glad you didn't LOVE it causing the hype factor on it!
Watching at 8:58 when my fasting begins at 9 😭
Very underrated bourbon …. Not sweet but more buttery and alittle spice. I wish they did a ten year age statement of it.
Is this better than OGD 114?
Nope!
What's on the shelf? Not George t Stagg this year. That's for sure.
Hahaha. Yep. As it's ever on the shelf.
@@TheMashandDrum I've seen it on the shelf plenty, but always way over secondary lol.
Random question for Jason or anyone else on here…price aside, which would you grab first….Weller 12 Year, Kentucky Owl Batch 10 or Michters 10 Year. Thanks in advance!
If money was no issue. Michters 10 absolutely
Agreed michters 10 is amazing
Willett, especially WFE and Noah's Mill are always available in my bar. Pure Kentucky is pleasant enough but since I have over 10 bottles of OWA107, kind of hard to bring in another 107 proof bourbon
Nice humble brag haha
@@kamahhl didn't mean to brag. I just started buying up owa107 in 2017 when it started gaining popularity.
If I wanted to brag, I would have mentioned my various bottlings of Woodinville and purple foil WFE....😁
Can you try Jack 10
Imo Jason would not like this new release from JD. It’s a very smooth sipper. However, the finish nose dives to nothing extremely fast.
I did on my livestream with Chris Fletcher and Lexie Phillips. I really liked it. But yes its still has a smoothness to it. Not a super long finish but the flavors are intersting for a Jack. Lots of dark fruits.
What’s the most readily available Texas whiskey over there? Got some pretty good (admittedly spicy oak forward) Tx whiskeys to try, haven’t seen one in your channel.
Balcones single malt...the bourbon from them was here for about a minute..TX is here...not a whole lot else though. I do love TX whiskey
@@TheMashandDrum Balcones is one of my favorite distillers down here. I don’t recall seeing a review on it from you.
Btw, as far as actual reviewing drams go, this is my go-to channel! Love the format and execution. 👏🏻
I'm really liking the Pot still version of Balcones-- VERY Different, but very good pour,unusual, but spicy good mouth coating and I'm very pleased with the pick- up from Total Wine---
Just killed my bottle this month.
Well here in Toronto ...even though we're a huge city... we get pretty limited selections of bourbon and almost have to check every few days to see what's new. Honestly the Bakers 7 has been relatively easy to purchase as far as availability. It's priced up there in the top of the range just under $100. It is without doubt the number 1 drink people like who have tried my selection of bourbons. It has a smoothness and complexity that appeals to most people I know. Not overly sweet or oaky and for those who love the Bookers 62% plus alcohol content style this does a decent job and of course for a helluva lot less money .... Still not cheap. If I only had two to choose I would stick with Knob Creek 100 or 120 proof or the Bakers 7.
Actually there is a Bakers 13 which I am told is pretty impressive ... of course impossible to source from our liquor stores . Comes in and goes out but hugely overpriced.
I'll stick to the Bakers. If no one wants it... too bad ... better for me Just wish it were cheaper.
baker's sib is $55-60 in CT
Really ... it's not available on shelves in Ohio .which is where you are located . .so where did you get it???
If companies change the juice in the bottle they should have to give it a new name. It doesn't seem fair to consumers to sell what should be a new product under the same name. Any changes to mash bill or distillation location or sourcing location and any other significant change should be a new product name even if it was something as small as calling this one, for example, Pure Kentucky XP.
Picked up a bottle of this last year and it was just horrible, and that’s that I’m not picky on bourbon, I like pretty much everything, maybe it was just a bad bottle which I’m hoping that was the issue
Tough comparison being that the Baker's is about twice the price with the Weller over $100 if you can find it. But the labeling on the PK. Looks like a cheap rum. They should reimagine it for future releases. Not appealing at all.
Agree on the label. Lol. Cheap rum is spot on.
Never had the white barcode Willett bourbon but the gold barcode variety is terrible in my humble opinion. Would rather drink Old Granddad all day.
I would take OGD 114 over this all day long