A little background
Willett Distillery is located in Bardstown, Kentucky. The Willett Family Estate 3 Year Rye Whiskey is made in small batches, is 110 proof, and comes with a price tag of around $55. The whiskey is a blend of two mash bills, the 1st being 74% rye, 11% corn, and 15% malted barley, and the other being 51% rye, 34% corn, and 15% malted barley. These Willett releases have become more sought after over the last couple of years as the distillery has been releasing 4, 7, and 10-year-old versions of the offering as well.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Amber
Nose
On the nose, I get sweet tea, flowers, fresh mint, and vanilla. There is a touch of citrus, fresh-cut grass, and rye spice in the background as well.
Palate
The palate follows the nose as the notes remain the same with the fresh mint and rye spice becoming the most prominent attributes.
Finish
This rye whiskey has a medium-length finish with the big notes being fresh mint and vanilla.
In closing
Willett Family Estate 3 Year Rye Whiskey is a solid rye whiskey that if you can find at retail pricing is probably worth picking up and having on your bar. It is not going to blow your mind, but it does offer some pleasant characteristics, especially if you are a rye drinker.
Willett Family Estate 3 Year Rye Whiskey
110 Proof
The Good
- Balanced Flavors
- Quintessential Rye Whiskey
The Bad
- Availability
- Lacks Complexity
Good review. After reading and seeing your “scoring” I am a little torn on…..is it ok @ SRP or top shelf? We should definitely have this one on our upcoming tasting!
The 4 years and under at “okay at SRP”, and the older releases (normally 7+ years) are “top shelf” in my opinion. Great tasting option for sure! Cheers