Willet Rye (4-Year)
Overall Score: 7.25/10
Overall Value: 4.5/5
Distillery: The Willett Distillery
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: The Willett Distillery
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 109.6 (Cask Stength)
Age: 4-Years
Mashbill: Blend of Willett high rye mashbill (74% rye, 11% corn, 15% malted barley) with the Willett low rye mashbill (51% rye, 34% corn, 15% malted barley)
Color: Honey
MSRP: $60 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of Willett 4-Year Rye is a delightful blend of vanilla wafer, light caramel, and sweet red fruits like fresh apple. There are also notes of honey, kettle corn, and the creamy center of a 3 Musketeers bar, with a hint of powdered sugar.
The higher proof is noticeable, and a bit of oak comes through at the end, adding depth without being overly sweet.
On the palate, Willett Straight Rye Whiskey offers an oily and full mouthfeel. The taste is reminiscent of the toffee center inside a Heath bar, accompanied by a bit of red fruit at the end. The rye characteristics are dialed back, with minimal spiciness or pine flavors, making it an approachable option for those new to rye’s.
The rye flavor is beautifully balanced with sweetness and caramel notes, almost like enjoying a slice of rye toast covered in honey. This was the highlight of the pour.
The finish is pleasant, though not exceptionally long. Surprisingly, there's a bit of strawberry jam flavor, which usually requires a finishing process not present here.
The oak flavor is most prominent during the finish, especially after multiple sips. The sweetness lingers, and occasionally, a hint of rye spice emerges, making the finish enjoyable and well-rounded.
Willett Family Estate Rye, with an MSRP around $60, is an excellent pour. The distillery has nailed the proof, creating a balanced and approachable rye whiskey. It serves as a fantastic sipper, though it may lack the complexity that some might seek in higher-priced offerings.
As a single barrel release, each bottle may offer slight variations, adding to the charm. For those early in their whiskey journey, Willett Rye is akin to the rye equivalent of EH Taylor, making it a cherished part of any collection.
Cheers to the Barrel Bros gateway whiskey that still holds up!
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Most notable flavor I get is a vanilla wafer. I also get light caramel and some sweet red fruit like a fresh apple.
There is a bit of oak at the end and the higher proof is noticeable.
THE TASTE:
Oily and full mouthfeel. It tastes like the toffee center inside of a heath bar with a bit of red fruit at the end.
The typical aspects associated with a rye whiskey are dialed back. I don’t get much of the spiciness or pine flavors.
Not to say it’s completely absent, but it certainly isn’t the focus. This was my favorite part of this pour.
THE FINISH:
Surprisingly, I was getting a bit of strawberry jam which usually requires the whiskey to be finished in some manner, which this is not.
I do think this is where the oak flavor is most prominent, especially after multiple tastes.
The finish just sits in the mouth exceptionally well.
BUY OR PASS?
The first thing I thought after finishing the review is that the proof is so dialed in! It really feels like the distillery just nailed that on the head.
This bottle also hides its ryeness very well, and would be an excellent starting point for anyone who typically passes on rye whiskies. I might be a bit biased since this was one of the bottles early in my whiskey journey that really kicked off my enjoyment of what whiskey could be.
I’m very happy that it still holds up! Final remarks, this bottle is like the rye equivalent of EH Taylor.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
You’ll notice a strong honey aroma that reminds me of a Heath bar without the chocolate.
There are also notes of kettle corn, the creamy center of a 3 Musketeers bar, and a hint of powdered sugar – but not overly sweet.
It’s a delightful mix.
THE TASTE:
It's rye-forward in the best way.
The rye flavor is beautifully balanced with sweetness, and the caramel notes come through nicely with a bit of graininess.
It’s like enjoying a slice of rye toast covered in honey.
THE FINISH:
The finish isn’t super long, but when you catch some sweetness, it’s very pleasant.
Occasionally, you’ll get a small hint of rye spice. It’s not overwhelming, but what’s there is quite nice.
BUY OR PASS?
I have to share a little disclaimer – this was my gateway bourbon, the one that started my journey into drinking bourbon neat.
Willet Rye is an excellent pour, though not the best you’ll ever have. If you’re looking for a fantastic sipper, this is it. But if you’re after more complexity, you might need to spend a bit more than the $60 MSRP.
