Willett Family Estate Small Batch Rye 4 Year

I've had this bottle multiple times, this is my 2nd review since this bottle differs in proof. This review is for the 4 year old version at 114.6 proof Nose: chocolate covered berries doused with baking spices drifts up to greet you immediately. There is also a hint of vanilla that comes to the top on subsequent sniffs - very rich on the nose and perhaps the best I've experienced from a rye Palate: the palate has a rich mouthfeel and the pepper spice and spearmint finally makes an appearance. This is accompanied by some vanilla wafers, adding to the richness - absolutely yummy and keeps the momentum going from the nose Finish: the sip sticks to the top of the palate allowing the spice and licorice notes to linger. The burn is surprisingly mild given the proof, but the fairly long finish definitely does not disappoint - great ending to a fantastic journey Overall: I already loved Willett Rye, but this took it to a whole new level. Every other bottle I've had was in the 104 proof range, so the extra "umpf" enhanced all the favorable notes that I already enjoyed.

Spicy but balanced

@ Anthony's for Amber's bday

Nose- Baking spice, barrel char, cinnamon, and an herbal note (maybe cardamom or dill). Palate- It leads with oak and a whisper of smoke that fades into a sweetness that is reminiscent of a cinnamon strudel. This fades into a dry rye spice. Finish- Warm and lingering. It just doesn’t want to let go. The finish is peppery similar to lightly cracked black and white peppercorn. Overall, this is an excellent and complex rye. It punches well above its price point. This is an excellent example of how complex rye can be. Every whiskey drinker should try this.