High West Rocky Mountain Rye 21 Year

A lovely, delightful rye, leaning towards the milder side of the rye spectrum, and not excessively influenced by the barrel due to its aging in reused casks (this spirit was undoubtedly intended for Canadian whisky blends before High West saved it). Creamy, honeyed, vanilla, and melon on the nose. Caramel and a subtle, soft wood presence. Baking spices – gentle clove, rye bread, caraway, a hint of pickle. The taste is similarly creamy and soft, with more melon, ginger, vanilla, honey, wood smoke, caramel, slightly tart apple, and baking and brining spices. Tremendously flavorful yet very balanced, restrained, and elegant. A slight dry, citrus pith, woody barrel finish. All other factors being equal, this is unquestionably a five-star whiskey. Yet, I can't claim it's an absolute must-try, as it's fundamentally no better than the much more widely available High West Rendezvous Rye (different from, but certainly not demonstrably superior to), a whiskey that is more broadly available for a quarter of the price.

I found the 21-year expression to be remarkably impressive. During the same trip to Utah, I purchased a bottle of Midwinter Night's Dram from the distillery, which I would rate a 4. This particular offering is from Act 1, released last year. It presents genuine dark fruit and tobacco spice, and is considerably more assertive than Rendezvous. Act 2 from this year includes some toffee notes that complement its spice, likely due to a longer finishing period of more than two summer months.

Seeing this attractive bottle at Butcher and the Rye in Pittsburgh, I knew I had to get it. It's big and bold, with spice yet smooth... This exceeded all my expectations. Notes of red fruit and horehound candy. So much spice! If I were to perish while drinking this, please do not revive me.

Simply an outstanding dram. A little on the mild side due to less rye, but definitely a must-try for any rye enthusiast. I detected vanilla and subtle woody notes immediately.

Very smooth and an excellent drink. I was fortunate to acquire two bottles before they sold out everywhere. It's spicy yet sweet, but light on the palate with no alcohol burn.

Exquisite and rich, with notes of tobacco, a perfect touch of cinnamon, fruit, and vanilla.