Willett Family Estate Small Batch Rye 10 Year

Consumed neat. Served in a Glencairn Copita. Nose: Cinnamon raisin toast with subtle hints of banana. Palate: An intense spice experience! It strikes the front of the mouth like an unmixed clump of cinnamon sugar on butter. You perceive the rich buttery notes, but the sugar and spice are very prominent. Magnificent! Finish: Spicy with a lingering trace of perfect oak.

The aroma presents oak, banana, butterscotch, and brown sugar. It has a smooth, almost frothy texture on the palate with considerable warmth on the finish. The flavor profile is dominated by abundant wet oak, leading to a drier-than-anticipated conclusion. A subtle hint of white pepper emerges with more tasting. 4.12

A small batch release from ten years ago, bottled at 115 proof in 2019. It has a scent reminiscent of Sprite. The palate begins with honey, then achieves balance. It's slightly floral, with a lingering spice and a satisfyingly long finish. Quite good. 2/22/19

Pleasantly balanced vanilla and honey rye followed by subtle maple syrup and molasses. A very spicy rye finish with a saline quality. It has a rich, oily texture. The heat is less pronounced than the stated alcohol by volume suggests. An inventive and outstanding pour.

Nose is less robust than the 4-year expression. Features a slight barrel finish. Flavorful, but it's an MGP product, not the genuine Willett profile. Doesn't present a high rye character despite the 115 proof. Easy to consume for its alcohol content.

A faint scent of sweet tea. It has some burn, but not what one might anticipate for a 123 proof. The taste mirrors sweet tea with the characteristic Willett profile and a hint of char. Truly excellent.