High West Cask Strength Bourbon

The aroma has noticeable apple and vanilla, giving it an almost dessert-like quality. There's also a pleasant hint of burnt oak. Spice is present. The initial taste is spicy with cinnamon. The apple and vanilla then emerge, complemented by dark caramel and oak notes that persist through the finish. It heavily features dark caramel. The oak is present but harmoniously integrated. It manages to feel decadent while still incorporating heat and oak. To offer a slight criticism, it seems stronger than its stated proof. (I was somewhat surprised by the proof on my single barrel bottle.) Despite this, it remains very easy to drink and highly flavorful. I recommend giving this a try. Enjoy, everyone.

Nose: Orchard fruit such as peaches or apricots. Notes of cinnamon and fennel punctuate the aroma, complemented by hints of toffee and oak. Taste: Cinnamon spice and leather greet the palate initially, followed by oak and green pepper towards the finish. Mouthfeel: A warming sensation with moderate body. Finish: Oak and spices persist, resonating throughout the nasal passages. This was a limited production, store selection.

My bottle for this tasting is from Batch 24A23 at 119.8 proof, or 59.9% ABV. While some might describe it as spicy or hot, for a spirit close to 120 proof, I actually find it quite pleasant. There's a touch of warmth at the beginning, which then reveals a fantastic range of tastes. That slight heat remains, gently stimulating your palate, before softening out beautifully.

The nose has notes of wood polish, hay, honey, caramel, apple fritter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. The palate follows with more apple, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. It's spicier than I anticipated, and I have no complaints. The finish is long with spicy apple. This could definitely compete with other apple pie bourbons like Elijah C barrel proof and Old Ezra 7yr.

Phenomenal. This was a barrel selection from Seven Grand Whiskey Bar in DTLA. Sweet, warm caramel blankets your mouth. It was incredibly rich and intricate. The conclusion was zesty and mellow, with a touch of heat. Among the finest spirits I’ve experienced.

After trying Midwinter Night's Dram, I find this to be the best offering from High West. Considering the price, it's an excellent bourbon. I've sampled both the Prisoner's Share and Noble's Share, and I much prefer the cask strength version.