About

Tradition Here Is Timeless

Willett Distillery feels a lot like it did when we opened nearly 90 years ago. The estate is staffed by family and friends we have known for decades.

The Story of Willett Distillery

Willett Distillery was established in 1936 by Thompson Willett, but the family’s whiskey legacy began long before.

Thanks to his father and grandfather, Thompson held a deep knowledge and respect for the craftsmanship involved in making fine whiskeys: Use the best ingredients available, pay close attention to the details – then take a step back and give the whiskey time and space to develop character.

It’s a simple approach, but it seems to be working.

1700

1684 – The Willett family bird and crown first appeared in the Pewter’s Hall of London in 1684. Fashioned by Edward Willett, the bird and crown features an English shore bird, not a goose.

For a century, the Willett family called Prince George’s County, Maryland home, near Washington, D.C. The Willett family landed in Kentucky the same year that Kentucky became the 15th state. William Willett, Jr., grandson of Edward Willett, moved to Nelson County, Kentucky in 1792.

John David Willett was born on December 26, 1841 in Nelson County, Kentucky. He was one-third owner and Master Distiller at Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery. Over his lifetime, John David, distilled whiskey at four Kentucky distilleries.

Aloysius Lambert Willett, who went by Lambert, was born September 23, 1883 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Lambert served several distilleries across the Commonwealth in various capacities starting at the age of 15. This photo was taken on Lambert’s wedding day.

Aloysius Lambert Thompson Willett, who went by Thompson, was born on January 27, 1909 in Bardstown, Kentucky. Thompson Willett was founder and President of Willett Distillery in Bardstown. This photo was taken on Thompson’s wedding day. Thompson married Virginia Sheehan and together they raised six children.

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