Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye 7 Year

Single barrel No. 630 122.4 proof

Again, part of a flight of four this evening consisting of this as well as pot still and family estate 12 and 13y. The rye roll backbone of pot still is there on the nose and to a lesser extent on the palate where more heat, char, spearmint show up. Back to the nose - a bit of cola, mint, anise, and maybe cloves? The herbal elements of the 4y are there but take a back seat to the cola and a bit of charred wood. Back to the palate and this is really quite different from the 4y. The barrel comes through more so than the herbal/earth notes. There’s noticeable burnt brown sugar, double mint gum and powdered sugar sweetness that aren’t amplified to the same degree as the 4y. Honestly, between this 7y and the 4y I don’t have a clear favorite. I love the 4y because it’s so different from most rye that I’ve had whereas the extra age of the 7y makes it more “familiar” with the added barrel influence. If I ever find a 7y under $250 I’ll be bringing it home but feel like the 4y remains as solid and satisfying as ever.

Pretty great rye. Especially for the age. Proof shows up strong, but is definitely backed up by the flavor. Very mint forward, sweet, and oily. Has a good chew and some of menthol as well. A touch medicinal on the ending while still being very sweet. Great rye and well done!