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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Johnny Drum Private Stock and Willett Pot Still Reserve are cut from similar cloth: two takes on traditional bourbons, where the real difference is proof (101 vs. 94).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +7 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 ~$13 less | ~$45 – $60 |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Willett Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- 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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a lower price point.
- Go with Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).