I was curious about these sleek black Binder’s Stash bottles and decided to pull the trigger with Barrel #1012 and then grabbed 1011 as well. They are both solidly aged, higher proof and distilled in Bardstown, KY. There aren’t that many options for distilled in Bardstown which was fueled speculation that at least some of these were sourced from Willett.
Binder’s Stash Barrel 1011
Age: 10 years
Proof: 119.7 proof
Notes: Sticky caramel, lots of spice and oak, brown sugar drank hotter than the other, subtler fruit notes, a bit of leather
Stars: 2 - Very good whiskey: I would want to have a bottle
Binder’s Stash Barrel 1012
Age: 9.7 years
Proof: 124 proof
Notes: Dried fruit, mint, bubblegum, warm spice, caramel and oak on the finish
Stars: 3 - Excellent whiskey: I would be willing to hunt down a bottle
Conclusion
1012 was the clear winner for me and I ended up grabbing a backup. It was definitely on profile for Willett and putting it up against some WFE Single Barrels blind it was close (if not quite at that level). Given the crazy prices on Willett these days the ~250 felt fine on this one for me. The 1011 was also quite good but not at the same level. I enjoyed every drop and while I am not looking for a backup there I will certainly be looking for the next releases.
TL;DR: 1011 was good but 1012 was something else and definitely reminded me of Willett.