PBMichiganWolverine
High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 6 (All Scenes)
Rye — (bottled in) Utah, USA
Reviewed
May 5, 2019 (edited May 6, 2019)
I’ve been a huge fan of High West. Visited their distillery. Did the tour. Paid for the overpriced 14 yr Distillery only whiskey. But it was my first taste of their act 2 and 3 that made me fall in love. I recall those early acts were like orange infused spice markets, filled with scents like mulled wine. More on the oranges, cloves, and dark fruits with the right balance from the wine. But I also felt that their more recent offerings of Midwinter simply didn’t stand up the amazing Act 2 and 3, but almost doubled in price. I held off buying Act 6, even though it’s now made partially with their own juice. Thanks to my buddy @Scott_E, who sent me a generous pour , I got to sample it.
I’m afraid the more recent Acts do not live up to the original early versions. There’s now somewhat an imbalance of the wine cask. Less oranges and cloves, those winter spices, and more of the red wine. Slightly tannic, much more cinnamon-y hotter.
Personally I’d still rank their Act 2 and 3 as my favorites ( possibly top 10). This is pretty good, but at the current prices of $140+, hard pass. Instead if I want a midwinter-y rye, I’ll go for the $40 offering from Splinter Group.
Thanks for this @Scott_E —thanks to you, I’ve now have had every Act of Midwinter (except their inaugural Act 1).
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@Richard-ModernDrinking i forgot they got bought by Constellation. That night explain a lot. With any M&A, post-integration retention of culture is always an issue. Might be no different here
@Scott_E I think that’s a bit harsh. They have started distilling their own juice now, which is to be applauded, and it’s started showing up in some of their blends. It’s entirely possible that they’ll go downhill under their new owners, but I will reserve judgement and hope for the best.
You’re not the first person to say the latest release is a step down. I was about to buy a bottle for $90 until someone warned me off it. What a shame.
@Rick_M Highly recommend Rendezvous Rye and Campfire, and the store picks with the funky finishes are always worth a gamble. The two bottles of Midwinter I’ve had were among my favorite whiskies.
@Scott_E I think you’re right—the key word is “expectation “. I guess for folks that haven’t had Act 2 or 3, this is damn good. For those that have, it’s a step down.
@PBMichiganWolverine I tasted this (didn’t have time to take any notes at that time) last week. I was eagerly anticipating an Act 2 goodness as well. Like you, I was disappointed or held this to a higher expectation. I do want to take some time soon and get into the depths. This initial Act 2 casks used had to superior to what they are using now. High West is not what they once were (at least currently, in my opinion)
@PBMichiganWolverine it's his new venture. It's called lip service rye. Here is the link to it: https://savageandcooke.com/lip-service/
@dubz480 is that the Whip Saw rye? Or something else? The Whip Saw was really good.
@PBMichiganWolverine ah yeah that is definitely a polarizing one for sure! The guy from the Splinter group has a new wine Finished Rye out I need to taste.
@dubz480 oh, I’ve had that one...I remember. I wasn’t a fan of that one...that vermouth finishing wasn’t my thing. I’d say the Act 2 and 3 of Midwinter were the best by far, then the Splinter Group one .
@PBMichiganWolverine give the Yippee Kiya a try one of these days. A far more pronounced wine finish on that one. Probably be more up your alley
@SolanaRoots I’ve had their Campfire, and Rendevous. Wasn’t impressed with the Rendevous. but I remember liking the Campfire. I’ve also had their distillery only 14 yr, which was decent
@Rick_M if you can find the early Midwinter 2 or 3 , it’s amazing. But back then, it was $60-80. Now, it’s $140+.
@Rick_M Have you tried any of their bottles? I’ve only had the Double Rye & Campfire but can’t go wrong with the under $35 Double Rye. Pretty solid
@PBMichiganWolverine - don’t know what to think of these guys. They haven’t enticed me enough to try them yet.