Willett Family Estate “Ashes To Ashes” 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey Cask #1518

Ashes To Ashes #1518 is a bold, old-school, barrel-proof rye whiskey aged 10 years—offering intense spice and complex baking notes balanced by rich dark fruit and oak. Its potency (104.2  proof) demands attention, and it's tailored for seasoned whiskey drinkers who appreciate full-flavor, high-impact ryes.

🏭 Origin & Proof

• A single barrel release from Willett’s estate series, part of the “Ashes To Ashes” collection.

• Full cask strength at 104.2 proof (52.1 % ABV)—undiluted, non-chill-filtered, and showcasing rye at its purest.

• Sourced from Willett’s classic mash bill: 74% rye, 11% corn, 15% malted barley. 

👃 Nose

• Dominant dill and bold rye spice, paired with salted caramel, lemon/orange zest, and freshly baked rye bread aromas. 

👄 Palate & Texture

• A powerful, mouth-coating experience with rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom heat.

• Lively fruit tones—candied orange peel and dark cocoa—emerge alongside lingering dill and caramel.

• Praised for an “incredible mouthfeel”, dense yet dynamic. 

🔚 Finish

• Long, warming finish—spicy oak, persistent rye heat, and traces of salted caramel and orange zest linger.

• Some reviewers note a leather/oak tannin structure echoing its decade of maturation.

🎯 Who It’s For

• Experience seekers: Ideal for fans of intense rye and full-proof whiskies.

• Sip slow: Best enjoyed neat or with a couple drops of water to unlock its layers.

• Collectors & Connoisseurs: A standout from Willett’s barrel-proof legacy—bold yet refined.

✅ Final Take

The Ashes To Ashes 10-Year Rye #1518 is a classic cask-strength rye that checks all the boxes: heavy spice, robust baking notes, rich fruit, and potent oak structure—all carried with surprising finesse. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it stands as another impressive chapter in Willett’s estate whiskey story.