A few years ago when we were touring a bunch of distilleries in Kentucky, Willett was one of the ones we hit up and really enjoyed. So, that was the first time I tried Johnny Drum and enjoyed it. We brought a bottle back with us, but that’s been gone for awhile now, so sad. It was one I wanted to backfill and now I finally have. So, I’m curious at to what I think of it now. Onward!
Company: Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD)
Distillery: The bottle says Johnny Drum Distilling Company but it’s probably Heaven Hill.
Location: Bardstown, KY
Mash bill: ?
Age: NAS. Used to be 15 years, but they dropped the age statement.
ABV: 50.5% alcohol (101 proof)
Released: Ongoing
Price: $25
Color: Golden Blonde with a little Amber
Nose: Grass, a little ethanol, oak, oats, grains, light caramel and vanilla, cinnamon, little musty, very earthy, tobacco.
Taste: Heavy caramel and vanilla, little dark chocolate bitterness, little bit of grassy flavor, but I like it. The more it sits the more caramels notes come out.
Finish: Medium finish, packs a little heat that lingers on your tongue and throat. Slightly bitter, but in a good way, like dark chocolate.
Overall: I think this Bourbon is balanced nicely. There isn’t any fruit, but I don’t really miss it. The grassy overtones fit well and I kinda like that as a different balancer. Overall, I like this. ?? If you’re out of town (sorry Okies!), grab this Bourbon and give it a go! It’s worth the reasonable price. Plus, it could be a great middle of the road Bourbon if you are ready to step your game up a notch.
Rating: 3.5/5
Hi Kate – Same experience. Thanks for writing this all up. My two brothers and I drove Kentucky and this turned out to be one of our favorites. Compare Willet’s parking lot with Wild Turkey’s and you will imagine a preponderance of difference. So my oldest brother, a banker like the character in the game Monopoly, liked Scotch for 43 years; now he drinks Johnny Drum. My other older brother has travelled the world selling, judging, brokering wine and liquor – he says it’s a good bourbon. Me, I bought 6 bottles over the internet, gave two to my oldest, one to my other brother (who is really my favorite), and kept the other three, now down to two… Cheers and Thanks Again!
This bourbon is distilled by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers dba Willett Distillery. They are located across the street from Heaven Hill.
Hey Keith! While Johnny Drum is sold by Willett (KBD) it was not distilled there. At the time of this review all products released by Willett were sourced from other distilleries. The rumor at the time is that Johnny Drum (along with other Willett products) was coming from Heaven Hill. Willett is now releasing products that they distill including their younger ryes but as far as I know Johnny Drum is still sourced.