The age statement for Willett Pot Still bourbon is not explicitly mentioned on the label, as it does not have an age statement. However, according to the regulations surrounding the labeling of straight bourbon, the liquid inside each bottle must have aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels.
To understand the age statement of Willett Pot Still, it is important to delve into the production process. It is believed that the bourbon is distilled using a combination of column and pot stills. This combination allows for a unique flavor profile and character to be developed during the distillation process. The use of pot stills in addition to column stills can contribute to a fuller-bodied and more complex bourbon.
Following distillation, the bourbon is then aged in new charred oak barrels. The aging process is crucial as it allows the bourbon to develop its flavors and characteristics over time. The interaction between the spirit and the wood of the barrel imparts various flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and oak. The longer the bourbon is aged, the more time it has to develop these flavors.
While the label does not specify the exact age of the bourbon, the absence of an age statement indicates that it has been aged for at least four years. This means that the liquid inside each bottle has been maturing in oak barrels for a minimum of four years before being bottled.
Age statements can provide valuable information for consumers, as the length of aging can greatly impact the flavor profile of the bourbon. However, the absence of an age statement does not necessarily imply a lack of quality or complexity. In fact, some bourbons without age statements can still exhibit exceptional flavors and characteristics.
It is worth noting that while the minimum aging requirement for straight bourbon is four years, many bourbons on the market today are aged for longer periods of time. Some distilleries choose to release bourbons with age statements, indicating that they have been aged for a specific number of years beyond the minimum requirement. This can be a point of differentiation for consumers who may prefer older, more mature bourbons.
While the Willett Pot Still bourbon does not have an age statement, it is a straight bourbon which means it has been aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels. The combination of column and pot still distillation methods contributes to its unique flavor profile. The aging process allows the bourbon to develop its flavors and characteristics over time, resulting in a well-rounded and complex spirit.