2016 Willett Astor #704 Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel Bourbon 116.8 Proof 750ml

Crafted over a dozen years, this Willett Family Estate Single Barrel bourbon embodies the pinnacle of Kentucky's whiskey tradition. Hand-bottled from a singular barrel, No. 704, it offers an exceptionally complex and robust profile, a testament to Willett's meticulous selection and aging process. This rare release, an exclusive cask selection by Astor Wines & Spirits, delivers a powerful yet refined sipping experience, revealing layers of dark fruit, rich caramel, and seasoned oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Initial powerful notes of rich caramel and toasted oak give way to a complex bouquet of dried dark fruits like fig and raisin, balanced by sweet vanilla bean, a hint of baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a subtle underlying earthy tobacco or leather. The high proof is present but well-integrated, suggesting depth.

Palate: A viscous, mouth-coating entry immediately delivers a surge of butterscotch and rich toffee. This is quickly followed by an explosion of dark cherry and blackcurrant, intertwining with robust oak tannins, dark chocolate, and a medley of warm spices – black pepper, clove, and a touch of ginger. A faint nutty character, perhaps almond or pecan, emerges in the mid-palate, complemented by a persistent sweetness that avoids being cloying.

Finish: Long, warm, and lingering, the finish extends with waves of caramel and dry oak. Peppery spice slowly fades into a pleasant, drying tannic embrace, leaving behind echoes of dark fruit, aged leather, and a whisper of espresso. The high proof contributes to a satisfying warmth that dissipates gracefully, inviting another sip.