Like many other startup distilleries, before Willett started producing their own rye whiskey they sold a sourced product under their name. Several years ago the most common of those was a 4 year single barrel with a green wax top and the wording “Distilled in Indiana” on the back label which I am reviewing here today. The Indiana part is key as that means it’s a 95% rye from the former Seagram’s distillery which is now known as MGPI. These days you can still find a similar product at various ages but Willett has since switched to green foil top bottles. At the time of this writing Willett also now has a 2 year old Small Batch and 3 year old Single Barrel that is their own distillate which will say distilled in Bardstown on the back label.
Willett Family Estate Single Barrel 4 Year Rye (Indiana)
55% ABV; Barrel 84A; Distilled in Indiana; $35
Notes: The nose has classic sweet and spicy rye flavors of evergreen and sugary spearmint. On the tongue it tastes just like it smells. It’s sweet, fruity, and spicy all at the same time. Mint, evergreen, pine, creme brulee, and spiced cinnamon apples are what I taste most. The rye flavors are pretty bright but there is plenty of candy sweetness and just enough wood to round out the edges. The only negative I can pinpoint is that the young age hasn’t totally smoothed out the alcohol so the finish can be a bit white dog reminiscent at times.
Thoughts: Really good stuff. I’m a huge fan of MGP ryes with the cask strength 8 year Smooth Ambler Old Scout being my favorite. With double the age and a bit higher proof it’s easy for that bottle to outclass this one but all of the classic MGP rye flavors are still here. What it lacks in aged oak complexity it makes up with some edgy almost untamed young rye notes that make it very interesting. It’s a shame this isn’t as cheap or as easy to find as it once was because at $35 I can’t think of a better value in a rye whiskey.
Rating: B+ / B
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