Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky is one of the region's oldest and most respected whiskey producers. The member of the Willett family that started it all was John David Willett, who was the master distiller for five separate Kentucky distilleries in the 1800's. It wasn't until 1936, after the repeal of Prohibition, that his grandson, Thompson Willett, founded the Willett Distillery as we know it today. They have been producing classic bourbon and rye ever since. 

Perhaps the best known modern-day Willett product is this highly expressive small batch rye, originally produced in 2008 from purchased whiskey, and distilled and produced entirely in house by Willett themselves since 2017. Very smooth for a rye, with well integrated alcohol that belies the high proof. Non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength. Spice-driven with distinct cherry notes and a nose of burnt vanilla, clove, cinnamon. On the palate, toasty oak tannin and boozy tart cherries carry on into an extended finish. This is arguably the ideal expression of modern Kentucky rye whiskey. 

ABV: 54.6% (109.2 proof) 

Mash Bill: Made from a blend of two whiskeys with different mash bills, 90% of it is from a bill of 74% Rye, 11% Corn, 15% Barley, and the other 10% is from a bill of 51% Rye, 34% Corn, 13% Barley.