Review - Willett Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye
Rating 4 Glasses
Distillery: Willett Distillery (Bardstown, KY)
Years Aged: 3
Proof: 111.2
Local Price (USD): $64.90
Availability: Uncommon
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Light Caramel (aka... the soft supple fur of the Grizzly), slow thin legs due to the high alcohol content (aka happiness).
Nose: Do we dare nose at 111.2 proof? Astringent grainy sweetness and not overly complex.
Taste: A complete 180 from the nose. Leather, oak & rye spice. Just imagine a swift kick to the gonads delivered by Satan himself while riding an all black thoroughbred stallion straight out the heart of Kentucky.
Finish: A fleeting infatuation. The Jezebel affect. Like a temptress in the night it escapes you as quickly as it arrived.
Conclusion: One of those whiskeys that hides its true character until you get a taste of it. Perfect pairing with a Connecticut wrapped cigar. It’s not over the top as far as the proof goes, but with the rye spice and somewhat young nature it packs a good punch to the senses. Worth every penny so buy it when you see it and don't look back.
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.