High West Bourye (2017 Release)

Part of a tasting lineup: Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Finish (Batch 59I) at 43.3% ABV High West Bourye (Batch 17L21) at 46% ABV Prichard’s Double Barreled at 45% ABV This one stood out. This spirit improves significantly with aeration and a bit of water. The base is a very mature 10-year-old bourbon. You detect notes of leather, tobacco, powdered cinnamon, and red fruits. The ryes used are even older – a mix of 12-14 years. This approach removes the harshness of young rye, which I dislike. It adds some mint and vegetal notes to the bourbon without overpowering it. I also perceive some wine-like characteristics, which seem to appear even without wine finishing, as far as I can determine. This is very comparable to a certain popular winter release from High West. Adding water allows it to open up, revealing white pepper and dark chocolate in a vibrant, pleasing finish that persists for a considerable duration. In Maryland, this often retails for less than in other regions of the country. I acquired this on promotion for $72, which is a fantastic deal at that price. RATING: 93/100

While some find this a sensational, top-tier dram, I wouldn't quite agree, though it's reasonably priced around $80 (and available online for closer to $60-65). The nose is almost hoppy with its herbal, vegetal rye freshness, complemented by some vanilla for sweetness. The rye clearly dominates the blend from the start. The palate shows more blended characteristics, with an unusual tinned pineapple note, but over time, the rye again seems to prevail, resembling High West Rendezvous Rye. The finish has barrel char and a great mix of rye spice and bourbon richness.

2.5 stars. It's okay. I'm being too harsh. Maybe 2.8, or 3? I enjoy bourbon. I enjoy rye. I don't enjoy this 'bourye'. The concept is nice, and it looks good on paper, but the execution doesn't suit my palate (and I'm quite sure it's still a fully sourced and then blended product). There's a medicinal hint on the nose, typical of all High West products. The bourbon isn't very complex upfront. It has a smooth, rye-like finish. It's absolutely not worth the $80+ they charge (around here in MD). Consider other options in a similar price range (especially Blanton's, Macallan 12, Angel's Envy Rye, even Lot 40; Whistlepig Farmstock is no longer fully sourced and costs about $100) for your money.

Batch no. 17L21. Cherry pie with cinnamon on the nose. There's some heat in the blend that I don't get from its individual components. The palate features tart cherry, wood, and the spicy notes from the rye. The finish is long and spicy with cinnamon and wood notes. It's a great dram that is tasty and interesting; however, it's generally overpriced due to its limited production runs. Worth trying if your budget allows. Adding some water brings out significant sweetness and enhances the cherry pie character from start to finish. The spicy rye notes dominate the finish during this tasting.

The aroma presents a pleasant combination of bourbon's sweetness and rye's spice. This isn't simply the rye character found in a bourbon mash bill; it's distinctively rye. Underlying it all is a vanilla cake sweetness with hints of brown sugar and molasses. The taste offers a moderate spice with an eruption of creamy oak and rye spice that coats the mouth with a slightly chewy texture. It's remarkably smooth while also providing notes of ripe fruit and floral rye spice. The conclusion is moderate in length, featuring lasting oak and vanilla, as the rye spice quickly dissipates.

It starts with a strong aroma, lots of licorice, and good flavor. However, after a while, it fades a bit and can become somewhat bland. Overall, this is a decent whiskey, but it's overpriced for its quality.