LeNell's Red Hook Rye is the most iconic and recognizable of the "epic ryes" bottled in the early days of the Willett private barrel program.

Facilitated by Drew Kulsveen, LeNell Camacho Santa Ana chose this whiskey to be sold exclusively through her well regarded store "LeNell's", located in the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn.

Four different barrels of Red Hook Rye were selected from 2006 through 2008—all different proofs—yielding between 192 and 228 bottles each.

The whiskey itself is Bernheim (Cream of Kentucky) rye, a 51% rye mashbill. These "barely legal" ryes at ultra high age and high proof are known for massive sweetness and strong fruit characteristics.

Ever wonder how the bottle count can be so high for a 23 year old barrel proof rye? According to Michael Veach—who was part of the original selection group with LeNell—these barrels were purchased from United Distillers (Bernheim) and were "consolidated" with permission by Willett. Barrel consolidation took place when a distillery had a bunch of partially full barrels taking up too much space in the rickhouse. Instead of 25 less than half-full barrels, why not have 10 full ones? Hence the higher yields.

Barrel #2: a first appearance at Unicorn!

Proof: 132.8
Barrel Number: 2
Bottle Number: 150
Bottles Produced: 216