High West American Prairie Limited Release Macvin Fenix Barrel

Listen up, everyone, and witness the tragic demise of a formerly respected brand. Observe its final moments of excellence as the doors swung open, releasing the last of the innovative, mind-blowing, and creatively brewed potions from the aged reserves of the distinguished High West distillery. Sample them while you still have the chance, because once they vanish down the throats of the fortunate few, they're gone forever. These unique mixes, these specific runs, these trials represent the finish line. Just a quick look at the new High West bottles reveals the transformation. The label looks fine from afar, but up close, you can see the cheaper, blurry print, the flimsy material, and the vague, uninformative text that has supplanted the clarity of its recent history. The confident declarations about the age of the components are sadly missing. The parent company has no grasp of people's desires. Subtlety. We're just figures in their profit-driven system. When it comes to understanding why people purchase and enjoy what they do, they are abysmal. The worst in the business. They demonstrate it repeatedly. How to ruin beloved brands so quickly. It feels almost intentional. They are the epitome of a heartless corporation. Look at Ballast Point, for instance. I don't fault the founders. I'd retire too, in a heartbeat if I could. Screw working unless it's something you adore. It appeared High West once possessed that passion. But it has vanished. Replaced by a manufactured persona. Yet, this particular endeavor was a triumph. This bottle is exceptional. I secured every one I could find. You should too, if there's still time. But like so many great things in this world, this too is slipping away. I believe it's largely because of companies like the parent company that we are losing our identity. And our finest spirits. I'd pour some out in tribute to what's lost, but this is too delicious. Instead, I'll empty a bottle of standard “High West Bourbon” into the sink. To my friends. And to High West. Rest in peace.