What we have here is a homemade (at least I think so) 4 year old rye from Willett, a Kentucky distillery that's been open for at least 10-15 years but didn't start distilling and aging their own stocks till probably the early 2010's. From what I've heard, their oldest homemade releases may be around 6-7 years old and everything older is sourced, but I could be wrong about that. The Willett 4 Year Rye though is slowly becoming a more widespread release, at least around where I live, so in time you may also occasionally be able to find it. These Family Estate Ryes are truly made in small batches and at cask strength as each batch has a different proof. While Willett hasn't really shared much information about this rye, let's instead get some in-person experience in this Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye whiskey review.willett 4 year rye smell Like many other rye whiskeys, Willett 4 Year Rye greets me by wafting me in licorice and honey with dark berries, anise, fennel, caraway seed, darker blood orange, hints of burnt bread crust and dry tea leaves, and some gin botanicals. Since it's ?only? 4 years old, it's not too oaky or wood spicy (think cinnamon, nutmeg, clove); and the heat isn't bad after 35 minutes in the glass. This is rye whiskey through and through, but not quite like the explosively tropical MGP ryes. This one has a little more low-end and dark fruit to it that I find uncommon in rye, and I'm already hooked. With swirling, I smell dark licorice and honey up front followed by dark citrus, fennel, lightly dusty caraway seeds, dark berries, and vanilla. Digging a little deeper I find fragrant and pleasant notes of eucalyptus, lemon, and clove that lean into hot toddy territory with hints of baked bread. The nose is quite rye-y, herbal, dark, and rich, with the heat staying in control. I'm into it. willett 4 year rye taste & aftertaste Willett 4 Year Rye is jam packed with spicy and herbal sweetness - licorice, honey, fennel, roasted oak, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little citrus with hints of baked bread and mint on the back end. The bite from the 56.6% ABV is about right, so it's still no slouch. I'm shocked at how lush and mature it is, especially for a 4 year old rye whiskey. ?Chewing? brings more herbal, rich, and sweet honey, lemon, licorice, fennel, and caraway seed followed by toasted oak, cinnamon, clove, and a little bubblegum. There's a lot licorice in the flavors, but it also leans more earthy fennel, lemon, and caraway seed-forward than other ryes, which often are more tropical (usually guava, pineapple) and less earthy. Sometimes it reminds me of lightly sweetened Lipton Tea with a slice of lemon. The oak and cinnamon spices are present, but to no surprise stay behind all that rye. The alcohol continues to feel about right and never becomes a distraction. The finish is lightly herbal, sweet, and tannic with honey, licorice, baked bread, and mint. After ?chewing?, I'm left with the same herbal sweetness of licorice, honey, clove, lemon, fennel, caraway seed, mint, and oak tannins. Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye also has this sweet black tea finish with darker honey and sorghum syrup that over time fades into eucalyptus and mint. I think this is great and is mature beyond its years.