Whiskey minis are my favorite whiskies to buy! You get to sample at a fraction of the price. So, when I saw this mini bottle of Willett Family Estate 3-year Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength it was a no brainer to buy it. Especially, when you look at the prices, you’d have to pay in the secondary market to purchase.

Nose: herbs, grass and light sweetness
Palate: rye, mint, vanilla and hints of sweetness
Finish: warming, vanilla and oak
ABV: 54%
Cost: $8.99 (50 mL)

For $8.99, this was an excellent purchase in my opinion. Not only because it was a Willett Estate Whiskey but because it’s a cask strength, I get to try without the high price tag.

This whiskey is true cask strength so, prepare for that punch that comes towards the end. The opening however is bright with notes of mint and vanilla. You then get hit with that strength that punch which quickly mellows with a warming effect. Most rye whiskies have a sweeter side to them. This one does not. Yes, you get light hints of sweetness, but this rye is more herbaceous.

This whiskey is for the rye whiskey lover who enjoys cask strength with minimal sweetness. I like it more than I thought I would mainly because it wasn’t sweet. Personally, I wouldn’t go out and buy at the prices you see out there but, if you find this mini, you’d be silly not to get one or maybe 3 as they’d make excellent stocking stuffers.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.