Johnny Drum served as a drummer boy in the year 1861, during the Confederate (Civil) War. At the end of the war, legend has it, Johnny returned home to his native Kentucky, where he staked claim among a beautiful spring. Johnny learned the importance of finding a way to convert his excess corn crop into a profitable item, rather than allowing it to go to waste. As the story goes, it wasn’t long before Johnny’s determination produced an exceptional bourbon whiskey.
The aroma is spearheaded by strong notes of caramel and red fruit. The scents are further backed by a strong, but not overpowering presence of seasoned oak, vanilla, and a touch of lemon. Vanilla, caramel, honey, and a touch of milk chocolate round out a surprisingly more complex palate than you might expect. A noticeable rise of warming spice envelopes the finish, and it’s a welcomed one. Tempered cinnamon mixed in with red apple creates what amounts to an apple pie flavor note.
Johnny Drum has always been something of a favorite among budding bourbon enthusiasts, gaining titles like “a hidden gem” or “one of the best kept secrets in bourbon.” It wasn’t always clear on the surface why. Some may say it's the result of Willett offering it, though it often felt like the company went out of its way to make it seem like it wasn’t. The Willett name wasn’t featured on its labeling, which resulted in a secret club of sorts that “those that know” knew it was from Willett. We've long said that Johnny Drum is one of, if not THE best bang for your buck bourbons. Even with the minor price increases over the past decade, we still stand firmly behind that statement.
retail $45
pow price $40
