High West Bourye (2019 Release)

Nose: oak, walnut, cinnamon, orange, banana, caramel Taste: caramel, vanilla, orange, banana, cream, cinnamon, almond, white chocolate, oak Finish: tannin, heavy cream, light vanilla, white chocolate

Smooth hint of sweetness

Great taste easy to drink.

I did not want this bottle. If there is anything more immediate than instant buyers remorse, I had it. But I also had no choice. When you have a local liquor store that is really good to you, and the guy that always geeks out with you on bourbon says, “Hey, I think you’d really like this one.” It’s not actually an option; you’re buying that whiskey. And in this case, I’m really glad I did. Nose has a bit of brine, but there’s a sweetness there too. Honey and powdered sugar. Body is interesting. I was expecting a bit of that pickle juice from the briny smell, but it’s not there. I get honey, lemon, and orange peel. The weird part is, my mouth is tingling like I’m drinking a rye, but the flavors are bourbon flavors. I actually really dig that combo. Finish is more of the orange, and a little bit of brine, but it doesn’t detract from the citrus. This is one of the biggest surprises I’ve had in some time. “A blend of straight whiskeys.” “Utah.” All the words that should make me afraid, but this little guy delivers. I’m not sure what their exact blend is, but I’d love to see someone attempt this mash bill without blending. For science. Based on the fact that blending any bourbon with a 95% rye mash bill makes it unlikely that the end result has 51% corn or rye... because... math... if someone were to do this in the barrel, they’d get something entirely new. After enjoying this one so much, from this point forward, I’d be happy to call such concoctions: “Straight Bourye.”

Very unique. Loads of honey and liquorice on the finish. Super smooth and best of both rye and bourbon worlds!