High West Rendezvous Rye

***ATTN. No longer aged up to 16yrs, but currently listed as 4 to 7 yrs on H.W. website!*** Dbl Rye in comparison is aged 2 to 7 yrs. What a letdown... I'm a fan of the HW Double Rye and at $40 it's a good value as well, so I was looking forward to trying this "better" bottle of rye from High West, still thinking it had older whiskey in it. This bottle has changed over the month I've had it open. After a week it tasted refined, mellow, lower heat with nice oak making just enough presence. I kept waiting for it to improve and wow me; but now after 3 to 4 weeks open (and 3/4 empty) it has taken on more heat and an over the top oak bitterness that wasn't there before that I do not enjoy - really went downhill. In summary I enjoy more exciting flavorful whiskeys than this - Pikesville is a great example at $10 less. I also enjoy the HW Double Rye more. This was refined and balanced for the first two weeks and an easy sipper (but underwhelming), so if this appeals to you just plan to finish your bottle before 3 weeks. Too much oxidation is Not kind to this one. I wont be getting another bottle.

Aged in gin barrel

Re-aged 6 years...107 proof