Tastes

Nose (4.25): not as fragrant as I had expected but very pleasing. Caramel, marischino cherries, and some browned sugar dominate. Slight astringency that I knocked it for, but it clears after letting in set a bit. This needs some air time to get the full effect. Palate (4.5): Cherries carry forward from the nose with some oak. Mouthfeel is buttery and inviting. Coats the palate nicely. There is a bit of pepper and smoke that come through burnt brown sugar. Finish (4): I expected a longer finish but this one leaves you quickly. More of the oak is prevalent with that sweetness. It dries too quickly for me. This was very good bourbon but I am thinking a bottle should be half the MSRP. Compared it next to ECBP B518 in a blind and the ECBP got 4 of 6 votes. That saying I would buy 2 bottles of alot of the $65-$80 bourbons out there and be just as happy. If you can get an affordable bar pour though, definately go for it.

Nose (5): A spicy kind of sweetness that is surprising for a rye. Lots of candied fruits, some raspberries. Very decadent nose made me want to dive right into it. More it sat in the glass, the more it bloomed. I kept wanting to smell it over and over again Palate (4.75): Rich, sweet, spicy but not loud. I got a hit of chocolate followed by some fig and then the baking spices. The spice seems more subtle for a rye and isnt in your face but plays almost like a bold seasoning instead of being the standout. This is done nicely Finish (4.5): Nice even finish. Rounds out to a creamy frosting-like taste that stays on the back palate. This is my very first experience of any Highwest product and it definately didnt dissapoint. I tasted this next to 2018 Thomas Handy Antique Collection and in my opinion it was a dead heat. Handy may have gotten a slight edge when they were then tasted blind, but I need to get a bottle of this. It was fantastic.

Nose (4.0): Nose is a little more subtle then I would have liked. Excellent aromas of candied apples, spice, and some dark chocolate. Palate (4.5): Exceptional balance. The flavors on the nose carry forward on the palate and are in excellent harmony. The spice builds but doesnt interupt what is going on here. So smooth for the higher proof makes it remarkable. Finish (4.5): Finishes as it started with subtle notes of cocoa and a delightful oak added on. Very sophisticated rye.

Not what I was expecting from a rye. A bit on the sweet side. I got a marshmallow and campfire flavor a bit like s'mores which was interesting. Finish is a bit weak. I am thinking this one might have needed a bit more time in the barrel.

Nose (4.5): Cocoa and peanut brittle on the nose. Reminded me of a Heath bar. Made me want more Palate (4.75): Great complexity. Heathbar continues with some welcoming spices. Leathery tones with a hint of cigar box. You get all the traditional flavors with tremendous other layers. Finish: (4.75) Finishes for days. Nice heat that ends in a puff of sweet smokiness. Very well done.

Taste: Neat in glen cairn, sitting 15 minutes Nose: (4.75): Excellent sweet fragrance. Full of fruit, carmel, with a hint of butterscotch. Enough ethanol to let you know it will have that Turkey bite, but mild enough not to overwhelm Palate: (5) Strawberry jam, cornmeal, caramel and raisins hit you first, gives way to an almost fig newton type chewy taste. Coats the mouth evenly like butter. You can catch the sweetness of the sherry, but it does not overwhelm the bourbon. The complexity is superb. This is Wild Turkey at its finest. Finish: (4.5) Finish is dry and tannic. Peanut butter dominates the finish. You can taste that the aging has taken great care. Hats off to the Russells.

Nose: (3) A bit prickly on the nose. Ethanol and a varnish type smell. Some vanilla and pepper tones. Smells young, but interesting Palate: (3.25) Vanilla comes through a little bit more, very rye forward like a slice of seeded rye bread which is pleasing. Some spice builds with some oakiness. Spearmint then moves across the back palate. A bit floral and yeasty Finish (3.5): Finish stays with you and is the best part. It is dry and warm, all in all not bad. A little bit of marischino cherry seems to come in at the end, I wish it were more. Vanilla and fresh oak linger. Verdict: This will make a great Manhattan. For the price I would have a bottle. If it were aged further it would be exceptional, but the youngness throws off the balance. I am wondering what oxidation might do.

Somebody poured shots of this at New Year's party. Sorry I had accepted it. Tastes as if somebody is disguising very young rye by dousing in maple syrup, or someone poured whiskey over my french toast! Cloyingly artificial and sweet. Maybe if you poured it over ice cream? I went into it imagining it like a cordial, not as a whiskey. Not for me