Blackened x Willett (Master of Whiskey Series)

Was very skeptical at first but boy am I glad I bought this. I’m a big fan of the 4 year willett rye and this is like that bottle on steroids. I suspect there’s some 6 and 8 year willett rye in here due to the richness. It’s excellent. Top shelf for me

Pretty mild nose for a rye of this proof; spearmint, ginger, strawberry, something grassy, something umami (soy sauce?), leather, and a hint of “Willett funk” which I can best describe as a dusty rickhouse note if that makes sense. After it’s been in the glass a minute the ethanol drops to near zero, a plus for a 109 proof product. A weird and complex nose for sure. Palate: Oh ok, wow. There is a LOT going on here. Chocolate malt, black pepper, date, fig, raisin, plum, raspberry, tobacco, and mint. Flavors are explosive. This tastes like someone mixed a dessert bourbon with an herbaceous rye and honestly I’m all about it. Underneath it all, there is a flavor that is distinctly “Willett” which in my book is a good thing. Finish is spicy and long with white pepper, cinnamon, peppermint, and a nice toasted oak not present in the nose or palate. Finish is loooooong. Mouthfeel is unctuous and suits the flavor profile perfectly. Totally unique and delicious. I’m not sure how much of this is attributable to the Willett profile (probably a lot), the Madeira cask aging (probably a considerable amount) or the “sonic Metallica aging” (probably zero) but whatever it is, they nailed it. But we must address the disgusting $159 price tag. Apparently this is 6-8 year Willett Rye in here and given what THAT goes for these days, one could make a serious argument that is actually a bargain. Do I think so? No, not quite. Will I buy a replacement when this is gone? (Assuming I can find it) I just might. It’s that good.

Nose leather and dark fruits. Palate spicy, with the fruit coming through. Long finish.