High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 7 (All Scenes)

Perfect but can’t give it a 5!

Sweet and spicy. I get some raisin flavor on the palate. The rye is there and comes through as expected.

Act 7 Scene 1. High West sourced (MGPI) Rendezvous Rye whiskey blend, finished in French oak port barrels. 49.3 ABV. Beautiful deep auburn color. Vanilla and stone fruit on the nose. Warm cereal grain, plum, brown sugar and spices, fading into the grassy spiciness of rye, with a long lingering sweetness. Round and oily. Oak and vanilla and rye are all there, but wrapped in this fruit essence that smooths and gives it tremendous depth. A wonderful winter dram, a 5 star, but... High West takes a premium markup on rye it sources, blends, (in this case) rebarrels, and bottles. Marketing. I live in UT and love the product, except for the pricing. Their own whiskey... not so great. As more distilleries start making their own superior whiskeys, HW is going to be pulled down by their pricing and lack of distilling innovation and excellence. Take note.

I've never been a MWND fanboy, but I've bought and enjoyed them since Act 1. Act 7 is not good. Green, unpleasant pickles. Thick, sticky artificial sugar. Where's the port??

Exquisite. I’ve wanted to find this bottle for 2 years, and finally stumbled upon one while visiting family in upstate New York. And man, I’m so happy I did. This didn’t disappoint and is one of the most unique whiskies I’ve had to date. Nose: Gobs of sweetness, specifically brown sugar and maple syrup. Undertone of dark cherries, vanilla and an oakiness. It’s gentle yet concentrated, a beautiful blend of sweet. Taste: Caramel covered apples up front, a spike of cinnamon and an explosion of berries. Finish: This is where it pushes itself into elite territory for me. The wine-cask finish (port) shows up and just sticks with you along with this lingering spiciness that reminders me of Mexican Hot Chocolate (cocoa with cinnamon and cayenne pepper, essentially). It rounds into this buttery smooth finish. Overall: 4.75 Value: It’s about $100 depending on where you are (I’ve seen some get it for less, I’ve seen it listed at $160 online). To me, if you’re looking for something special without paying a huge markup, this is worth it. I’d pay $100 again and feel fine with it.