Willett Family Estate Bottled 2 Year Straight Rye

Numerous spice notes are evident, including cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and even spicier notes like cumin. Dark chocolate and espresso bean can also be detected on the aroma. An intriguing background of freshly cut pine and mint is also present throughout. The heat from the cask strength offering, combined with the vibrant spice profile, provides immediate warmth. Pine notes are noticeable on the tip of the tongue, with a hint of mint and chocolate malt mingling with the other spice flavors. The finish is bold and lengthy. The spice, including licorice/anise, lingers longer than the pine and mint notes, with the grip and texture of a 2-year-old rye contributing rich tannins throughout the finish. According to some whiskey critics, the 2- to 3-year aging period for rye whiskey yields some of the best examples. The Willett 2-year rye offers abundant flavor and aromas in an almost perfect balance; its bold aromas are matched by a cask strength bottling at 110.8 proof.

55.4% ABV | Aroma - Sweet, fruity vanilla, sugary mint/cherry confections, berry candies, sweet herbs, crystallized ginger, cherry licorice sticks. Palate - Sweet, herbaceous vanilla, ginger/cinnamon spice, sweet melon, sweet orange peel, sweet mint/herbal syrup. Finish - Lasting sweet herbal/fruity/vanilla notes, slight bitterness, cinnamon/ginger spice persists. Rating - 78/100 Concluding Remarks - This is a truly unique rye; while the aroma is quite varied, the predominant characteristic is sweetness. It presents as a peculiar sweet herbal/fruit/spice on the nose, making its components very hard to identify. The palate is similar, dominated by a 'general' sweetness, though a berry/herbal sweetness stands out. The finish is also a bit odd, with a slightly sweet, mildly medicinal character that doesn't strongly evoke 'rye' for me. It's intriguing enough, but I suspect it might be best suited for 'guess the flavor' sessions or mixed drinks.

I typically criticize this distillery due to their questionable pricing and deliberately obscure product information, but I don't dislike this one too much. It meets expectations for a young rye, and aside from being overpriced – which is typical – it's quite respectable. I anticipate future years will allow for more reasonable pricing, regardless of their ornate branding.

The initial release in the Family Estate Rye series, which I first sampled years ago. I recall that day vividly: blackberry cobbler at my parents' farm, a red and white checkered tablecloth, the smooth liquid on my tongue and then in my stomach. Cheers to everyone who supported me.

The last pour from a bottle that has been open for too long. The aroma is hot and slightly herbal. Notes of orange and clove, with a pleasant, long finish of fall spices that resolves with sweetness. A great young rye. Elegant presentation from the distillery.

A surprisingly substantial oak presence on the nose. Good mouthfeel with abundant black pepper and spice on the palate. The finish has a powerful kick at the end.