This is a review of the 2 year old small batch, not the older single barrel varieties. Bottled at cask strength (53.5%). Without water: Astringent nose dominates. Mostly spice notes on the palate with a quick finish. With water (ie ice cube submerged for 90 seconds): The nose develops a nice bouquet of butter toffee notes. The spice on the palate is still present but with toffee undertones. The finish is quick and clean with mint notes coming to the forefront. There is a ton of character for this two year old. I have yet to try the older single barrels, but this is a fantastic rye for the age. Will drink this exclusively with a small amount of water from now on because of how it opens up the whiskey. Terrific stuff from Willett in this relatively new rye endeavor.