washeewashee_reviews
High West A Midwinter Night's Dram The Encore
Rye — (bottled in) Utah, USA
Reviewed
November 30, 2022 (edited December 1, 2022)
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.
165.0
USD
per
Bottle
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