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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years +8 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +35 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$65 – $75 ~$465 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/9 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).