In a move that’s turning heads in the bourbon world, Willett Distillery, a Kentucky legend since 1936, has teamed up with Binder’s Stash, a rising star in ultra-premium American whiskey. This marks the first time the famously independent Willett has committed to a long-term partnership with another bourbon brand, and it’s a big deal for whiskey lovers, especially middle-aged guys who hunt for rare bottles and savor the craft of a fine pour. Announced on June 3, 2025, this collaboration promises to shake up the American whiskey scene by blending Willett’s old-school expertise with Binder’s Stash’s bold, modern approach.
Image credit: Willett Distillery/Binder’s Stash
Willett Distillery, based in Bardstown, Kentucky, is a name that carries serious weight among bourbon collectors. Known for its Family Estate Bottled Bourbon and Rye—those iconic “purple tops” with their handwritten labels and purple wax seals—Willett has built a reputation for crafting some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world. These single-barrel expressions, often aged 8 to 15 years and bottled at barrel proof, are the stuff of legend, fetching sky-high prices on the secondary market. Unlike their broader releases like Rowan’s Creek or Noah’s Mill, which are solid but more accessible, the purple tops are the holy grail for enthusiasts who geek out over barrel numbers and proof points.
Enter Binder’s Stash, a brand that’s been making waves with its high-end, design-forward whiskeys that appeal to a new generation of drinkers while still earning respect from seasoned collectors. Founded by Bill Binder, the brand has already snagged top awards, like Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. Binder’s Stash is all about bold flavors, rare barrels, and a fresh take on what luxury whiskey can be. But until now, they’ve faced challenges, like inconsistent wax seals on their bottles that had fans reaching for a knife to crack them open. That’s where Willett comes in.
The partnership gives Binder’s Stash access to Willett’s treasure trove of rare whiskey stocks, including experimental mashbills and aged barrels that most brands can only dream of touching. This isn’t just a one-off deal like Willett’s past collaborations with Kings of Leon’s Kiamichi Whiskey or Metallica’s Blackened Whiskey. It’s a long-term commitment that lets Binder’s Stash tap into Willett’s generational know-how and state-of-the-art bottling operations. Plus, Willett’s global distribution network will help get these new releases into the hands of whiskey fans across the U.S. and beyond.
The story of how this partnership came about is as down-to-earth as it gets. It started with Drew Kulsveen, Willett’s master distiller, offering some friendly advice to Bill Binder when he was just getting his brand off the ground. Later, when Binder’s Stash hit a snag with their bottling process—those tricky wax seals—Kulsveen stepped in. “Come on down here, and I’ll show you how we do our wax,” he told Binder. Then, in a lightbulb moment, Kulsveen went further: “Why don’t we just handle this for you?” That conversation sparked a partnership that’s now poised to redefine what American whiskey can be.
For Binder’s Stash, this is a game-changer. “We’ve built our reputation by sourcing and releasing some of the most distinctive American whiskeys in the country,” Bill Binder said, “but Willett represents a different level: generational expertise, uncompromising quality, and a legacy that elevates everything it touches.” With Willett’s backing, Binder’s Stash is set to roll out new single-barrel and small-batch releases as early as this summer, including some “pretty cool single-barrels” made with Willett’s special aged whiskies. These bottles are likely to be a hot commodity for collectors and casual drinkers alike, especially those who love the thrill of chasing down a rare pour.
Willett’s side of the deal is just as exciting. Drew Kulsveen sees this as a chance to push the boundaries of aged whiskey while staying true to the distillery’s roots. “This limited relationship allows us to support a partner that shares our dedication to quality, innovation, and the future of American whiskey,” he said. For a distillery that’s been fiercely independent since its founding nearly 90 years ago, this partnership is a bold step. It’s a chance to blend their time-honored craft with Binder’s Stash’s fresh, boundary-pushing vision.
What makes this collaboration stand out is the shared values between the two brands. Willett, still family-owned and operated, has spent decades perfecting its craft on the same Nelson County hilltop where the first barrel rolled into Warehouse A in 1937. Their commitment to aging and bottling every whiskey on-site has earned them a loyal following among bourbon purists. Binder’s Stash, meanwhile, brings a modern edge with its focus on rare barrels and bold flavor profiles, but it’s just as obsessed with quality and authenticity. Together, they’re aiming to create whiskeys that combine the best of both worlds: Willett’s heritage and Binder’s Stash’s innovation.
For middle-aged guys who love bourbon—whether they’re cracking open a bottle with buddies, hunting for the next big score at a liquor store, or just savoring a dram after a long day—this partnership is something to watch. The first releases, expected this summer, will likely include single-barrel bourbons and maybe even some experimental mashbills, offering a chance to taste something truly unique. And with Willett’s bottling expertise behind them, those pesky wax seals should be a thing of the past, making these bottles as easy to open as they are hard to put down.
This partnership isn’t just about new bottles, though. It’s about setting a new standard for American whiskey. By combining Willett’s legendary inventory and craftsmanship with Binder’s Stash’s bold vision, the two brands are poised to create something that speaks to both the old guard of bourbon fans and the new wave of enthusiasts. Whether you’re a collector chasing purple tops or a guy who just loves a good pour, this collaboration is a reason to raise a glass. Keep an eye out for those first releases—they’re bound to be something special.
