Willett Family Estate “DRINKWUTCHYALIKE” 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey Cask #2327

A powerful, well-rounded 8-year single-barrel rye—bold and spicy yet nuanced, with an exceptional balance of sweet caramel, baking spices, herbal nuance, and dark fruit complexity. It stands out in the modern rye catalog and delivers excellent bang for the barrel.

🏭 Origin & Specs

• Single Barrel: Barrel #2327, aged 8 years in new char‑#4 American oak.

• Mash Bill: High-rye profile (~74% rye, 11% corn, 15% malted barley) typical of Willett single-barrel ryes.

• Proof: Bottled barrel-strength at 104.2 Proof, non-chill-filtered.

👃 Nose

• Opens with sweet caramel and melted butterscotch, moving into herbal rye notes like gingerbread and dried herbs.

• Unique toasted sesame and lightly toasted oak adds depth, followed by clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. 

👄 Palate

• Rich and layered: lemon drop, rhubarb, peppered papaya—a mix of sweet fruit and rye spice.

• Herbal-cool notes like menthol reminiscent of licorice or cough drops, bolstered by oak backbone.

• Warming baking spices—cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg—with fruit threads and oak weave intertwined.

🔚 Finish

• Sweet-spicy: honeyed tea, cinnamon stick, herbal rosemary and mint, and zesty citrus peel linger.

• The 104.2 proof contributes to a long, persistent warmth without overpowering. 

🌟 Acclaim & Context

• Rated around 8.9/10 by bourbon culture reviewers, comparable to top-shelf Kentucky ryes like Thomas H. Handy. 

• Highly praised in the rye community for its depth, richness, and bold flavor character.

🎯 For Whom

• Rye enthusiasts who crave intense spice, baker’s sweetness, and dark fruit complexity.

• Lovers of cask-strength whiskies—ideal neat or with a drop of water to “open” the spice.

• Great for collectors and connoisseurs seeking standout Willett single-barrel releases.

✅ Final Take

“DRINKWUTCHYALIKE” Cask #2327 is a rich, bold, and intricately layered rye that showcases depth—from caramel and fruit to herbs, spices, and oak. It delivers powerful flavor at barrel strength with refined balance and finishes that linger. A must-try for full-flavored rye lovers.