Act 6/Scene 4 I have been out of commission for the past few weeks. Ready to do some samplin’. I been out purchasing A Midwinters Nights Dram since Act 2. I was instantly hooked. Act 3 was almost as as good as Act 2. Each year, though, has seen diminishing returns (though I haven’t yet tasted Act 5; still unopened). Act 6 finds High West working their home brewed, non-sourced rye into the fray. Each fall I get eager for the this rye seeking for the days of yore. The distinctive baking spice qualities are present: nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice. There is a subtle fruity raspberry jam sweetness that hovers just above the spices. Vanilla, dill and pine needles surface after some time. It transported me to a pine forest on a crisp cool afternoon. Nice nose. What arrive on the palate is not what I’m is on the nose. Medium weight and velvety body delivers wood spice, black pepper and spearmint. Faint notes of cola come through as it works towards a finish. The cola carries forward along with a minty, resinous, drying pine wood. Some remnants of apple skins, black licorice and bitter dark chocolate carry the finish to a long lasting close. A healthy dose of water soften the spice and accentuates the sweetness, though the dram. As it compares to the early generations, Act 6 is a shadow of its former self. The balance is off and I sense that weaker casks were used during maturation or younger, rushed spirit was produced; almost as if the former recipe is trying to be rediscovered. A recently sampled Sagamore Rye Port Finish At half the cost provides a better, more balanced experience. Would I consider Act 7 at $125? Probably not, but still may be lored into wishful tasting seeking what once was. [86/100][$125][Tasted: 10/11/19]