Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye Whiskey

Classification: Straight Rye

Company: The Willett Distillery

Distillery: The Willett Distillery

Released: Ongoing

Proof: 111.2 (Cask Strength)

Age: 4 Years

Mashbill: A 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: Amber

Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye Whiskey,  In the early 2010’s Willett started distilling their own whiskey on-site for the first time in over 30 years. In 2014, they celebrated this accomplishment with the release of a two year old rye whiskey. Since then they have continued to age their rye whiskey and have stuck with a four year age statement for their standard rye product, although younger and older age statements can be found. It is a small batch and is released at barrel proof. The cap is sealed with aluminum and continues the company’s move away from traditional wax they used for many years and were well known for.

The barrels that went into this small batch combined to make an amazing drinker.

Nose

Plenty of caramel is present in the form of caramel apple, caramel popcorn, and burnt toffee. The aroma has a gentleness about it thanks to additional notes of honey. There is a bit of rye bread lying underneath it all too. It’s an aroma that bucks your general understanding of what a rye whiskey should smell like and has some fun doing it in the process.

Palate

A warm bed of raisin, menthol, and spice starts off the sip. Combined with green tea notes, it creates a somewhat medicinal taste. It’s unique, yet works in application. There’s additional light cherry and citrus throughout that works well by introducing a contrasting fruit accent. Overall an unlikely pairing of flavors that perform surprisingly great together.

Finish

The post Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye Whiskey appeared first on Standard Liquor Shop.

Rediscover Kentucky Rye: Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye

Crafted with intention and matured with care, the Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye Whiskey marks a celebrated return to in-house distillation for the storied Willett Distillery. Aged for four years and bottled at cask strength (111.2 proof), this small batch rye brings intensity, balance, and individuality to your glass.

Whether you’re a seasoned rye aficionado or exploring bolder American whiskeys, this expression surprises with a personality that bridges spicy tradition and sweet nuance. From its mashbill blend to its non-waxed cap—a shift from Willett’s former design—it signals innovation grounded in heritage.

What SetsWillett Family Estate 4 Year Old Rye Apart?

• Mashbill Mastery: A unique combination of Willett’s high-rye (74%) and low-rye (51%) mashbills.
• Barrel Proof Bottling: Uncut and unfiltered at 111.2 proof—pure, undiluted expression of the distiller’s vision.
• In-House Distilled: Distilled and aged entirely on-site, showcasing Willett’s rebirth as a full-production distillery.
• No Chill Filtering: Enhancing flavor retention, mouthfeel, and authenticity.
• Limited Batch Releases: Each bottling is a small batch, yielding slight but exciting variations.

Tasting Notes

Color:
Deep amber with flashes of copper and mahogany—classic and rich in tone.

Nose:
An alluring bouquet of caramel-drenched apples, burnt toffee, and honey-roasted corn unfolds into a backdrop of rye bread, offering a sweeter-than-expected first impression for a cask-strength rye.

Palate:
Expect a bold, expressive entry featuring raisin, menthol, and spice, followed by unexpected notes of green tea, cherry, and citrus zest. The combination feels medicinal yet invigorating, layered yet balanced.

Finish:
Hot and dry with a peppery snap, toasted grains, and lingering warmth. The high proof asserts itself without overpowering the harmony of flavors.

How to Enjoy

• Neat: For a full appreciation of its complexity and proof.
• With a splash of water: Opens up the green tea and herbal notes.
• In a bold cocktail: Excellent in a Rye Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or a Brown Derby variation.

Product Details

• Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
• ABV / Proof: 55.6% / 111.2
• Age Statement: 4 Years
• Mashbill: Blend of 74% Rye / 11% Corn / 15% Malted Barley and 51% Rye / 34% Corn / 15% Malted Barley
• Distillery: The Willett Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
• Release Status: Ongoing, small batch
• Packaging: Aluminum-sealed top (no wax)

FAQs

Is this rye whiskey barrel proof?
Yes, Willett 4 Year Rye is bottled at cask strength—111.2 proof—without dilution.

Does it contain any additives or coloring?
No. This is a pure, non-chill filtered rye whiskey with no additives or artificial coloring.

Can I collect or gift this bottle?
Absolutely. Its rich flavor profile and small batch bottling make it a great addition to any whiskey collection or an ideal gift for enthusiasts.

How is this different from Willett’s older family estate releases?
Unlike Willett’s sourced whiskies from the past, this bottle is distilled entirely at the Willett Distillery, signaling a new chapter in the brand’s evolution.

What kind of drinker would enjoy this?
This is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy, high-proof whiskeys—especially fans of Knob Creek Rye, WhistlePig, or High West Double Rye.

• Shop All Rye Whiskey
• Willett Distillery History – Kentucky Bourbon Trail®
•  for Understanding Cask Strength Whiskeys – Whisky Advocate

Why Buy from Standard Liquor Shop?

At Standard Liquor Shop, we curate an elite range of American and international spirits with a focus on limited editions, craft expressions, and top-rated bottles. All products ship from secure storage with tracking and temperature-conscious logistics.

Fast Fulfillment: Orders processed within 1–4 business days
Careful Handling: Temperature-aware shipping to preserve flavor integrity
Safe Packaging: Leak-proof, break-proof, collectible-safe

The post Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye Whiskey | Barrel Proof Kentucky Rye appeared first on Standard Liquor Shop.