Bourbon Law 101: The Willett Distillery, a Bridge between Bardstown and Aruba.

I’m taking a brief departure from our usual discussions. This week, it won’t be  about Aruba’s foreign debt, exorbitant interest rates, the housing crisis, unbalanced tourism, or legal cases du jour that often fill this column. This week, I invite you to turn it down a nudge  and join me as we slip into bourbon, hospitality, good friends, and an idea that might bring Bardstown, Kentucky, and Palm Beach, Aruba, closer together. In this week’s column, I will share a true gem among bourbon houses, The Willett Distillery, and its CEO, Drew Kulseveen. While I write this, Drew and his wife Janell enjoy our beaches. Yes, Drew, a 5th generation master distiller, spent a few days with us. I’ll also feature a fellow lawyer and passionate bourbon enthusiast, and together, we’ll explore the idea of building a bridge between two communities that share a love for bourbon and warm hospitality.

What is Bourbon?

Before we do that, let’s talk a bit about Bourbon. Bourbon, is often called “America’s Native Spirit.” It is a distinctive and beloved type of whiskey known for its rich history and unique production process. To be classified as bourbon, it must be made primarily from corn (at least 51%), distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. The aging process takes place in charred American oak barrels, which gives it a deep amber color and adds to the complexity of flavors. Unlike Scotch or other spirits, the barrels must be new each time a bourbon enters a barrel.  What sets bourbon apart and makes it Famous in Kentucky is deeply rooted in the state’s heritage. Kentucky has ideal natural conditions for bourbon production, including abundant limestone-filtered water, a temperate climate, and fertile soil for growing corn. Kentucky’s early settlers played a crucial role in refining bourbon-making techniques, leading to the establishment of iconic distilleries. Over time, bourbon became intertwined with Kentucky’s identity, and the state has embraced its role as the bourbon capital of the world, producing some of the finest and most sought-after bourbons known for their exceptional craftsmanship and flavor profiles. If you want to dive deeply, go on a  Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This is an iconic journey through bourbon country, allowing visitors to explore historic distilleries and witness all stages of production, from mashing to aging. Visitors also have an opportunity to sample an assortment of different bourbons, each with its distinct flavor profile – it also celebrates Kentucky’s rich cultural significance for this quintessentially American spirit while providing a deeper appreciation for this liquid gold. If you haven’t figured it out, I would enjoy a bourbon or two.

The Willett Distillery

Earlier this year, I enjoyed visiting Bardstown, Kentucky. It was there that I had the privilege of meeting Drew Kulseveen, the CEO of the Willett Distillery. The Distillery is an exquisite gem in bourbon production. The history of distillers goes back to the 1930s. Its legacy is proof of American whiskey craftsmanship that remains alive today. Willet stands out with its distinguished history and unyielding commitment to producing premium (small-batch) bourbon. The Willett Distillery blends tradition with innovation for exceptional bourbon that delights the palate and senses. Distillation methods, barrel selection, and careful aging processes produce bourbons with remarkable complexity and character. Willett Distillery bourbons have earned a great deal of renown among connoisseurs alike, making this destination essential for those searching for quality American whiskies.

Drew

Drew isn’t just a CEO; he is a fifth-generation master distiller, and he comes from a family deeply rooted in the traditions of crafting exceptional bourbon. His knowledge and passion for the art of bourbon-making are amazing and serve as a testament to the family’s dedication to the craft. Drew graciously opened the doors of the Willett Distillery to us, providing an unforgettable experience that showcased the history and craftsmanship that defines Willet. The distillery tour was a journey through time, revealing the secrets behind producing their exceptional bourbons. Drew’s guidance made the experience even more enriching as we learned about the intricacies of bourbon-making, from the selection of grains to the aging process to the final bottling, including their iconic Potstill. Our visit was not merely about witnessing the process; it was about tasting the exquisite results. Results are so extraordinary that, at times, folks will sleep in front of the distillery to get their hands on their signature bourbons. Drew treated us to Willet’s finest bourbons, each bearing the hallmark of his family’s heritage and expertise. The tasting was a symphony of flavors and aromas, a testament to the mastery that only generations of experience can bring.

The tour was followed by a delightful dinner that left our palates craving more. But the evening didn’t end there. After dinner, Drew extended his hospitality even more – I suspect he has some Aruban blood –  and opened the doors to his house for us. He generously shared his collection of bourbons with us, a gesture that epitomizes the camaraderie and goodwill that defines the bourbon community. We didn’t leave his house until he accepted our invitation (and nagging) to visit Aruba.

 Willet in Aruba

Fast forward to last week, Drew and his wife Janell visited.  He was hosted by TEC INC, friends from Tallahassee’s Market Square Liquors, Chef Eduardo Ellis, and the local bourbon guru, Kavey Yarzagaray, during a  night with some devoted local bourbon lovers. We had the privilege of sampling a range of bourbons from the House of Willet, curated and explained by the master distiller himself. It was a delightful experience, showcasing the depth and complexity of Willet’s bourbons. The good news is that Willet is now distributed on the island by TEC. For those who enjoy bourbons, this is a welcome addition to our pallets. Papiamento Restaurant, the Humidor, Gianni’s, and the Hilton are just a  few establishments carrying this iconic brand.

I asked Drew what Aruba and Bardstown had in common. He responded:

“The people and the hospitality, while we are known for giving visitors our Kentucky Hug, y’all are giving out Aruba Hugs everywhere you go”.

The Tallahassee bridge

Tallahassee has some passionate bourbon enthusiasts like Jim Bledsoe  and Bill Crona. Jim is a bourbon veteran who has had the privilege of meeting most, if not all, Kentucky bourbon masters. He also came down to spend time with us. 

Market Square Liquors, 

A visit to Tallahassee is incomplete without a visit to  my dear friend AJ Patel and his wife,  Sonia. AJ is the proprietor of Market Square Liquors in Tallahassee. Along with Bill and Jim, he has been a gracious host during our visits to Aruba and our bourbon adventures both in Kentucky and Tallahassee. They even made us – Kavey, Eduardo, Marcus, and yours truly – honorary members  of the Market Square Liquors Barrel Picking team. Their  commitment to sharing the bourbon experience is genuinely commendable.

Another lawyer

This bourbon adventure could not have been complete if I hadn’t been joined by my esteemed colleague and fellow attorney, Luke Grabowski. Luke, a partner at the Pennington law firm in Tallahassee, is not only a legal expert but also a Certified Bourbon Steward. He dedicates much of his free time to studying bourbon’s rich history, hosting tastings, barrel picking, and curating a fantastic bourbon blog and podcast. Luke and his wife were here a couple of months ago. He is back now, and from good sources, I hear that he will be back soon, or he may not leave at all. You can find his insightful content at https://capitalcitybourbon.com/, and follow him on Instagram as @capitalcitybourbon. With bourbon, law, and cigars, we are never short of engaging conversation topics. Luke and I coined the term “Bourbon Law” during one of our discussions. I am not sure why.

The bridge

Now, let’s talk about an idea that has been, or perhaps I better say, has been distilling among us bourbon enthusiasts. Why not build a bourbon bridge between Aruba and Kentucky? Picture Bardstown, KY, becoming a sister city to Palm Beach, Aruba. This would transform Palm Beach into the Bourbon Capital of the Caribbean, offering visitors the best of both worlds—gorgeous beaches, warm hospitality, and the legendary “Kentucky Hugs.” It’s a concept that excites us, and we believe it could create unforgettable experiences for all who venture to our shores.

A toast

As I finish this week’s column, I raise my glass. I propose a toast to the bonds of friendship, the art of bourbon-making, and the limitless possibilities that arise when kindred spirits come together. May our bourbon adventures strengthen the ties that bind us, and may the Bourbon Bridge between Aruba and Kentucky become a reality. Cheers!