High West A Midwinter Night's Dram The Encore

Nose - Caramel, minty/herbal rye, peach gummy rings, candied ginger, charred cinnamon Taste - Drying mouthfeel, caramel, candied ginger, mint/herbal rye vibe, peach pit fruity bitter, apricots, roasted almonds with charred almond skin bitter, over steeped black tea bitterness Finish - Lingering peach pit fruity bitter, sweet heat, candied ginger heat/tingle, bitter over steeped tea Score - 85/100 Final Thoughts - So after trying this the night after A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 10, I think the base Rendezvous Rye they used for this year's release just wasn't the greatest? It has the typical minty/herbal rye notes I usually enjoy, but for some reason everything feels like it's either overoaked or just a tad bit too bitter. The white port finish on this makes this feel much more vibrant and summery, while at the same time having winter vibes of ginger spice and cinnamon. Roasted nuts come out on the palate, but it feels like they were forgotten on the fire and charred a bit, imparting a burnt bitter vibe. I do quite enjoy the peach/apricot vibe I get from this as it reminds me a bit of Barrell Seagrass, but that was due to the apricot brandy finish. Overall this was interesting, but it feels as if they started with either a highly reactive Rendezvous Rye and they left it in to finish a bit too long or the casks imparted a bit too much bitterness for my liking. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

The nose is not great. It has a few decent notes but overshadowed by pungent off putting notes. The taste is better than the smell, however not that great either. The initial taste is sweet but then those off putting notes come in and it isn’t pleasant. Finish short and not very tasty. Overall it’s weird whiskey with very little to enjoy. Hard pass.

Wonderful nose with hints of fresh fruit and fall conditioned leather. The color in the dram is much darker than expected almost a fine Brazil nut color. The mouthfeel is lighter than expected but has a wonderful flavor even on the first sip. You get fruit forward notes like blueberry and raspberry turning to caramel and apricot. The finish is LONG and enjoyable, hints of white raisins and baking spice. A great dram for sure!