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Horse Soldier Barrel Strength vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Comparing Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Willett Pot Still Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a modern, even-keeled craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +17 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$78 – $85 | ~$45 – $60 ~$29 less |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/4 heat: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).