In all honesty, this is a bottle that I found in early 2022, and I am just now getting around to reviewing it. Sometimes I get caught up in hunting for the newest releases that I often forget to go back to my shelves and review previously purchased bottles. When I picked this bottle up earlier this year, I knew little about the Willett Distillery, only that they offered a really beautiful bottle, Willett Pot Still Reserve, that many people dislike; I have yet to try this bourbon, so no comments at this time. Coming from the Willett Distillery, what I now know as the distillery known for their amazing “Purple Tops”, today we are reviewing their Willett Family Estate Bottled 4-Year Rye.

From the Willett website: The barrels that went into this small batch combined to make an amazing drinker. It opens up with time and is reminiscent of cutting into your dessert with your fork which releases cinnamon and baking spices with just a hint of oak to remind you that this is high proof youthful. It’s insanely well balanced with the alcohol so perfectly integrated at 115 proof you’ll forget its there, but you’ll find yourself smiling more and happier with each dram.

This is the only bottle of Willett Family Estate Bottled 4-Year Rye that I have seen over the past three years in NoCo. And let us not even mention the recent Willett Wheat release nor the Willet Family Estate Bottled Bourbon, better known as the “Purple Tops,” which I am convinced neither bottle exist. Nonetheless, and after that small rant, overall this was an excellent bottle of rye whiskey, with all those sweet and spicy notes that I have come to love. If you have a chance to try or purchase one of these bottles, with the caveat that it is at MSRP and your palate enjoys a great rye whiskey, this is a must-have on your shelf. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Caramel, Vanilla, Green Apples, Raisins, Rye Spices, Honey, and Ending in a Bouquet of Floral Notes
• Palate: Raisins, Figs, Green Apples, Rye Spices, Cherries, and Slight Bread Dough
• Finish: Medium Sweet Finish with Lingering Notes is Rye Spices, Cherries, and Floralness
• 2023 MSRP: $59
• 2023 National Average: $95
• Proof: 112.6
• My Rating: Drink It!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman