Willett Pot Still Reserve

WOTD 7: Willett Pot Still Reserve

Willett is a well known and much respected name. From their 2 year, youthful Rye, to their 20+ year aged Ryes, to their new XCF (Experimental Cask Finish) Rye Whiskey, Willett is to some a pinnacle of good, if not great whiskey. So my review of this is going to get me in trouble. I can already tell.

I was thoroughly disappointed with this whiskey and I am not quite sure what I am missing. As I have tasted this whiskey on multiple occasions and have continued to read glowing reviews for it, I am baffled by the unenjoyable experience I have with it. So, first I'll run down what I taste and then ask for some opinions from anyone who cares to share as to what makes either my bottle of this whiskey a lemon, or if I am indeed just not a Willett fan.

The nose is the best part of this whiskey to me. Vanilla and Caramel at first, giving way to light oak and leather. Very appealing. The taste however is extremely strong with nail polish/high proof alcohol (which this is not). It's hard for me to get past the initial sting, even though I do taste a bit of dried fruits its heavily overshadowed by the awful chemical flavor. For the finish I'm basically just trying to get the numbing out of my mouth.

So, what happened?!? How can all the reviews (minus 1 guy I saw) say this is great stuff and mine be so bad. This is my only experience with Willett and it makes me very nervous to step out on a limb and buy more. I'm open to suggestions though, thoughts anyone?

Rating: 74/100 (while I don't care for it, its not shoe polish nasty, and the nose is quite amazing)

*Photobomb courtesy of Kuma the Shiba*