Willet 4 Year Straight Rye Whiskey (Rare Release)
Age: 4 Years in Hand Selected American White Oak Barrels
Mash Bill: 74% Rye
56.9% ABV (113.8 Proof) Cask Strength
The Willett Distillery out of Bardstown Kentucky has released a couple Straight Rye Whiskeys, a 2 year and a 3 Year. Now their Rye has spent 4 years in new American White Oak, and has been recently released. Hand Bottled at cask strength, this impressive bottle comes in at 113.8 proof.
Color: A deep bronze color that has a red tint to it.
Nose: Heavy Rye notes come through, like marbled rye bread, with some caramel and cinnamon and clear oak char notes complimenting it well. There are also some dark cherry notes that come through, behind the other aromas.
Palate: Like taking a bite of rye bread that has the grains still in it, the rye comes through immediately and stays throughout the entire palate. There is some heat, but not too much. The dark cherry that was on the nose does add a tart note to the palate, complimenting the rest of the sip. Notes of nutmeg, allspice, and aged vanilla all come together making a layered and complex sip that has a coating mouth feel.
Finish: A long, lingering finish that balances the sweet vanilla and caramel from the oak, the spices for the rye, and just a bit of tart dark fruit, expertly. There is a bit of heat, to be expected from a 113.8 proof whiskey, but it is not enough heat to take anything away from the overall enjoyment of the sip.
With a splash of water:
Nose: The dark fruit and sweet notes come out more, clearly showing more influence from the oak. Caramel and Vanilla both come out more, as does the tart fruit.
Palate: The sweet vanilla comes out much stronger to start as it does on the nose, however the tart flavors do fade a bit. Amazingly the creamy texture holds up extremely well with a couple drops of water.
Finish: The spices really shine through on the finish with the water added, really leaving the rye impression to hang around as it lingers just as long as it does without water.
Ratings:
Angela: 89
Zach: 93
Overall: 91
Thoughts: Angela prefers this bottle with the splash of water, while Zach likes it better neat. The 4 Year Rye really showcases what a great rye can be. It comes in around the $70 mark, depending on where you find it from, and is one you should definitely pick up if you are a fan of Rye Whiskey.
