High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 8 (All Scenes)

Nose: Sweetened floral scent, maple syrup, barrel smell but sweeter, a hint of sour Palate: At first it is typical rye scent - spices or floral, but sweeter. Balancer than a bourbon. The sweet spice with a bit of sour feels like apricot. Do not feel burn until swallowing. A kick at first swallow. Finish: Pretty like nose part, but with stronger floral note. Medium to long finish.

This is the first Rye bottle, that I've ever bought, and I really dig this one. Sorry if I seem uneducated with my "notes", but the nose is obviously port forward, and there is an old, wet lawn mowing shoe funk to it...which really makes this stand apart from EVERYTHING else I've ever tried. Scotch lovers always search for this musty, damp note, when done well, and I sincerely believe it's in this glass. The taste is soooo port-y, still whiskey, but the port brings a voluptuousness that complements a slightly sour / dill-like flavor experienced in the second half of the tasting. This is super cool. Its hard to evaluate the finish because I keep wanting to experience the taste, but it is drying; like chewable grape Asprin. There is a not-so-subtle vanilla icing sweetness underlying the entire experience and "carried throughout its memory." - best Shakespeare-like, imitation. I'm very happy I took the plunge, and am nervous I may have harder choices at the liquor store in my future, now that the rye shelf will be seriously evaluated. 5.0 - go out and buy all of the stock you can find. 4.0 - must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - solid, must try at a bar, or mooch from a friend. 2.0 - didn't like it, you may. 1.0 - you may have the palate of my dog, and he licks his own ass.

Assessed in a Glencairn Spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Neat - Definitely noticing the port barrel influences right away, slightly tangy / acidic grape musk, marzipan, shoe polish, rye bread characteristic, orange marmalade and sugary pie crust. Adding a teaspoon of water and . . . A strong oak aroma develops, stewed dark fruits, gentle sawdust and bright vanilla bean pod. Taste - Neat - Quite nippy undiluted, mild tannins, bittered honey, a sort of herbal bitterness coming through and unsweet Luxardo maraschino cherries. Adding a teaspoon of water . . . Speyside scotch resemblances, bittersweet chocolate, black tea and I find myself wanting to reiterate on the prominence of the Luxardo maraschino cherry on the exhale especially. Final thoughts : Definitely the most interesting Rye you’ll ever drink. I think they could’ve aged a bourbon in the same fashion and you’d have gotten a far less complex final product. The inherent savory / spicy characteristics of a rye really temper the sweetness picked up from the time spent in French port casks, and that combination is what makes for the more interesting notes such as shoe polish, black tea and Luxardo maraschino cherries. It’s very reminiscent to me of a good Speyside scotch. Definitely recommend giving this one a try if you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker looking for something unique!