High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey (375ml)

High West Distillery and Saloon started with one man’s passion to make a great Rocky Mountain whiskey. Proprietor and distiller, David Perkins married his background as a biochemist, his love of bourbon and cooking, and his passion for the American West to bring the craft of small-batch distilling back to Utah. Rendezvous Rye is a blend of two exotic straight rye whiskies, with early batches marrying the rich aromatic qualities of a 16-year-old, 95% rye mash bill whiskey with the bold, spicy properties of 6-year-old rye to create a full-flavoured, complex whiskey, bottled non chill filtered for maximum mouthfeel. However, like most of High West’s production, that changes over time. More recent reports suggest it's a 4 to 9 year old, some of it sourced from MGP (95% rye), the remainder being High West’s own 80% rye, 20% malted rye whiskey. Ratios are not disclosed. The label design has also changed (several times) since the presentation pictured, so we can assume this bottling represents stocks from yesteryear.

[BATCH 12H14 tasted] Deep burnished copper / gold ochre colour. First inhalations reveal a mild shellac note alongside charry American oak. Several minutes in the glass yields hints of mint and old liquorice strap alongside spicy, apply rye that's enriched with further exposure becoming more apple crumble / toffee apple like. The palate delivers a classic, punchy rye. A full, round delivery is augmented by lively, perfectly balancing spices. Crisp, dry mouthfeel. Excellent concentration. Terrific balance. Long spicy rye aftertaste with a faint trace of liquorice emerging late. Loads of personality and complexity. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... One of those ryes where you find yourself slapping the back of your head to overcome the eyewatering sharpness of the grain. 93.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024

...Thanks to the high rye content, this whisky is very spicy, with cinnamon, crisp mint and fennel. Underlying sweet notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla, macaroon, cocoa, and candied fruit … enhance the whiskey’s complexity. But, in the end, the rye is the victor, emerging with a vengeance and giving the whiskey a bold, warming spice finish.” 95 points John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.com

Strong but intriguing. Medium color and body, with rich aromas of burnt orange and caramel. The flavor also reflected burnt orange and caramel, plus a spicy tinge reminiscent of cassia bark or Red-Hot candies. The finish lingers, pleasant, inviting and warm. Might be good for Manhattans—a touch of fruit or sweetness would go well with this rye. Excellent value. 96 points - wineenthusiast.com