Willett Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye 3 Year Cask Strength 109.6 Proof 750ml

Willett Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye is one of the most sought after American rye whiskeys in the country, a cult favorite from the historic Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The Willett family has been making whiskey in Kentucky since the 19th century, and after decades of sourcing, they returned to distilling their own spirit on site in the early 2010s. This three year old rye, drawn from that acclaimed in house production, carries the line's devoted following and its reputation as a genuine rare release. It is built as a marriage of two distinct Willett rye mashbills, a high rye recipe and a low rye recipe commingled to mimic the fuller, fruit and spice driven profile of historic Maryland style rye, then aged three years in hand selected charred American white oak barrels in the estate's metal clad rickhouse. Crucially, it is non chill filtered and hand bottled at cask strength, so every batch is individually proofed straight from the barrel; this bottling comes in at 54.8 percent ABV, or 109.6 proof. Even at a slightly younger age, the cask strength delivery and Willett's signature rye character make for a bold, deeply flavorful pour. It pours a rich amber and opens with tart and brandied cherry, baking spice, cinnamon, and creamy vanilla. The palate is robust and full bodied, layering dark cherries, charred vanilla, caramel, and classic peppery rye spice with a sweet, almost bourbon like accent, while the finish is long and velvety, with lingering spice, toasted grain, and cherry. Bearing the distinctive Willett family crest and released in limited, allocated quantities, it is a prize for any rye lover or serious whiskey collector, and rewards slow sipping neat or with a few drops of water. ABV / Proof Brand Willett (Family Estate Bottled) Distillery The Willett Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky Producer The Willett Distillery (Kentucky Bourbon Distillers) Category Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Expression Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye, 3 Year, Cask Strength (Rare Release) Age Statement 3 Years Mashbill Marriage of Willett high rye (74% rye, 11% corn, 15% malted barley) and low rye (51% rye, 34% corn, 15% malted barley) Maturation Aged 3 years in hand selected charred American white oak; non chill filtered Bottling Small batch, hand bottled at cask strength; allocated rare release ABV 54.8% Proof 109.6 (this batch; cask strength varies by batch) Bottle Size 750ml Country United States Region Kentucky Tasting Notes Color: Deep amber. Nose: Tart and brandied cherry, baking spice, cinnamon, and creamy vanilla. Palate: Robust and full bodied, with dark cherries, charred vanilla, caramel, and peppery rye spice. Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering rye spice, toasted grain, and cherry. FAQ What proof is this bottle? 109.6 proof, or 54.8 percent ABV. It is hand bottled at cask strength, and because each batch is individually proofed, the exact figure varies from bottle to bottle. How old is it? Aged three years in hand selected charred white oak barrels at the Willett estate. What is the mashbill? A marriage of two Willett rye recipes, a high rye and a low rye, blended to echo a historic Maryland style rye with both fruit and spice. Is it distilled by Willett? Yes. This rye comes from Willett's own on site distillation, which resumed in the early 2010s, rather than sourced whiskey. Why is it hard to find? It is a small batch, cask strength rare release made in limited, allocated quantities, with a strong cult following among rye enthusiasts. Where can I buy Willett Family Estate Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.