It took some time, however cult Kentucky whiskey model Willett is lastly delivering a cheap, on a regular basis expression of their Household Property label bourbon. Lately, we’ve seen increasingly more of those so-called “purple prime” choices from the distillery however in dear single barrel kind, showcasing the house-distilled bourbons that followers of Willett’s older, sourced Household Property line have lengthy been clamoring for.
Just like the Small Batch Household Property Rye launched greater than a decade in the past, this can be a four-year-old small batch mix bottled at cask power. 4 years is a bit modest an age assertion for a distillery identified to indicate off some severely outdated whiskey, however that is additionally a brand new mass market, cask power bourbon, so we’ll lower them just a little slack there. And it’s a distinct recipe than a number of the different, extra available Willett bourbons like Previous Bardstown or Willett Pot Nonetheless. Two totally different recipes, in truth; a 30/70 mix of Willett’s authentic bourbon recipe (72% corn, 13% rye, 15% barley) with their excessive rye mashbill (52% corn, 38% rye, 10% barley).
We’ve waited lengthy sufficient for this one, so with out additional ado.
Willett Household Property Small Batch Bourbon 4 Years Previous Evaluate
The nostril is daring and expressive with tons of rye character. Prime notes of wintergreen and better tone baking spice (recent cinnamon and complete cloves) bloom within the glass. Laced all through, a little bit of candy citrus and subtly tropical jackfruit gives some distinction to the rye spice. It’s a yeast-driven be aware that I usually discover in Willett’s whiskeys, the rye releases particularly, so I’m not stunned to see it right here in a such a rye-heavy bourbon. With time, a number of the energetic spice recedes revealing heat, barrel-driven notes of caramel candies and vanilla frosting.
The rye is equally punchy on the palate with an preliminary, inexperienced wave of recent of mint and lower grass underscored by a not insignificant smack of menthol. This positively drinks its proof, however the ethanol isn’t overly sharp due to a silky mouthfeel and softer secondary notes of Demerara sugar and clove chewing gum that assist to spherical out the sip. It’s nonetheless relatively dry. A splash of water brings extra fruit into focus, however the oak stays pronounced. The midpalate simmers with a pronounced chili pepper warmth that tempers considerably right into a nonetheless well-spiced and warming end of cinnamon sticks and minted syrup.
I’ve at all times been a fan of Willett’s Small Batch Rye, and whereas 4 years is a candy spot for that whiskey, this bourbon appears to need for just a bit extra time within the barrel or rather less rye. Or each. That mentioned, mileage might fluctuate with different batch releases. Regardless, it’s a strong and welcome addition to the Household Property lineup that serves as an approachable entry level into the extra rarefied world of Willett single barrel bourbon.
127.4 proof.
B+ / $67
Willett Household Property Small Batch Bourbon 4 Years Previous
USD67
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