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Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 4 years | 12 years +8 yr |
| Proof | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +35 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$65 – $75 ~$465 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/3 heat: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).