When it comes to whiskeys, the name High West carries a sense of adventure and craftsmanship that captures the spirit of the American West while offering a range of expressions.
So, if you’re looking for the best High West whiskey, you’re in the right place. We tasted each bottle and tested them to share our top favorites that will surely spice up your drinking experience.
These bottles have left an indelible mark on our palate, each a testament to High West’s dedication to quality and innovation. Keep reading!
Top 10 Best High West Whiskey (Ranked & Tasted)
1. High West Rendezvous Rye
Average Price: Around $79.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Spicy with hints of citrus
Palate: Cinnamon and dried cherry
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Rendezvous Rye is a masterful blend of two ryes, creating a harmonious combination of spiciness and sweetness. But expect more High West pot still rye here.
This whiskey offers a rich flavor, which we really enjoy all the time. The finish is lingering, worthy of its value.
Take note – this is a seasonal release, so we suggest visiting your favorite liquor store right away before it runs out!
2. High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram
Average Price: Around $124.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 49.3% ABV
Nose: Figs and baking spice
Palate: Dark chocolate and plums
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: This limited edition release is truly a delightful winter warmer. It provides the flavors of winter spices and sweetness that are perfect for the holiday season.
Savor this exceptional spirit neat by a cozy fire while snow falls outside. It also complements fig cookies perfectly.
This is a good step up if you want to deviate from the usual High West Bourbon or American Prairie.
3. High West Bourye
Average Price: Approximately $124.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Vanilla and toasted oak
Palate: Honey and dried apricot
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Torn between the world of rye and bourbon? Then, Bourye is for you! It’s a High West bourbon-rye blend that gives the best of both worlds and makes it a well-rounded and intriguing sip.
“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake.” – WC Fields, American Actor and Comedian
This feels like having the essence of High West Bourbon with the complexity of HW ryes. We like this blend of flavors, giving a satisfying finish every after sip.
4. High West The Prisoner’s Share
Average Price: About $174.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 51% ABV
Nose: Dark fruits and vanilla
Palate: Plum and toffee
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: This expression aged in French oak barrels previously used for red wine provides a unique flavor profile that’s a true conversation starter.
It’s a unique blend of matured straight ryes and bourbon, aged in The Prisoner Red Blend wine barrels, imparting the French oak notes. It gives luxurious and tempting vibes, leaving a long finish.
5. High West Yippee Ki-Yay
Average Price: About $159.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Sweet and fruity
Palate: Clove and cinnamon
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Yippee Ki-Yay is a playful and experimental whiskey aged in wine barrels, offering a unique flavor profile worth exploring. This spirit is a naturally sweet sipper.
It’s a blend of two (2) years- to 16-year-old ryes, best savored neat. It also tastes great in cocktails, like Old Fashioned, alongside American Prairie or High West Bourbon.
Also Read:
- Top Rye Whiskeys To Drink Straight
- Top American Rye Whiskeys
- Top Rye Whiskeys Below $100
- Top Affordable Rye Whiskeys
6. High West Bourbon (Cask Strength)
Average Price: About $88/750ml (Instacart)
Alcohol Content: 58.7% ABV
Nose: Rich caramel and oak
Palate: Dark chocolate and toffee
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This powerhouse High West bourbon packs a punch of flavor – a meticulously blended and rare dram. This High West Bourbon (Cask Strength) boasts a rich flavor profile, perfect neat or in cocktails.
This High West Bourbon is the best choice if you’re looking for a bold and complex sip!
7. High West Campfire
Average Price: Approximately $79.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Smoky, spicy, and sweet
Palate: Toasted marshmallow and dried fruit
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Campfire is a unique blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch, creating a symphony of flavors. It’s like a campfire in a glass and was expertly crafted using exclusively in-house ryes.
Despite its distinctiveness, it’s an extraordinarily unique and memorable whiskey that delivers an exceptionally delightful taste experience every time you drink it.
8. HW High Country American Single Malt
Average Price: Approximately $79.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Nose: Baking spices, cinnamon, and citrus
Palate: Butterscotch and pear
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Country American Single Malt is a good single malt that delivers a pleasant surprise with its flavor complexity but approachable nature.
It’s a good alternative to the American Prairie Bourbon if you want something bold. However, this expression is a bit lower-proof.
9. High West Double Rye
Average Price: Approximately $37.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Mint and dill
Palate: Pepper and honey
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This versatile High West Double Rye expression is a blend of column and pot-still expressions, aged for at least two (2) years (produced after the exit of David Perkins [1], time of rebranding).
Based on our review, it works well in cocktails or as a sipper for its balanced profile – an easy choice for any occasion.
This product boasts the perfect synergy between the robust rye spice and vibrant botanical notes, revealing layers of freshness and intricacy.
10. HW American Prairie Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $29.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Caramel and vanilla
Palate: Butterscotch and honey
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This American Prairie Bourbon embodies an approachable yet flavorful profile. The American Prairie is a perfect introduction to their range.
“High West’s craftsmanship meets innovation, creating unforgettable whiskey journeys.” – Liquor Laboratory
This product yields a sophisticated blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (2 to 13-year-old) aged in charred white oak barrels, resulting in a fragrant bourbon and a harmonious palate.
*Note: Average prices may vary by store. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. We review each product and evaluate its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
Is High West a whiskey or a bourbon?
High West produces a variety of whiskeys [2], including High West bourbon whiskey, ryes, and a blend of straight bourbons, showcasing their versatility and commitment to quality.
Who owns High West?
High West was owned by Constellation Brands in 2016 [3], ensuring the brand’s continued growth and access to resources. David Perkins, the blending pioneer, slowly exited not too long after the acquisition.
What distillery makes High West bourbon?
Every High West bourbon bottle is crafted by its very own High West Distillery in Park City, Utah.
The expressions are produced here – from High West Bourbon and rye to straight bourbon whiskeys [4]. This distillery was the first legally licensed distillery in Utah after the Prohibition.
Where is High West whiskey produced?
High West Distillery is located in Park City, Utah, United States. They take advantage of the unique environmental conditions of the region to produce their distinctive spirits.
What types of whiskey does High West offer?
High West produces a range of whiskey styles including bourbon, rye, and American Prairie whiskey. They also offer limited edition and experimental releases, showcasing their commitment to innovation.
How is High West whiskey aged?
High West ages their whiskey in a combination of new charred oak barrels and used barrels, allowing for a nuanced interaction between the spirit and the wood. They also experiment with different aging techniques to produce diverse flavor profiles.
Is High West whiskey gluten-free?
While whiskey is generally considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, some individuals with gluten sensitivities may still experience reactions. High West recommends consulting with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about gluten in their products.
Does High West offer tours and tastings?
Yes, High West Distillery offers tours of their facilities where visitors can learn about the whiskey-making process and sample their products. Reservations may be required, so it’s advisable to check their website or contact them in advance.
Final Thoughts
High West stands tall as a pioneer of flavor experimentation and craftsmanship in the world of whiskeys.
After savoring these exceptional expressions, we declare HW Rendezvous Rye as the best expression from the brand. Its spicy intricacy and balanced sweetness make it a standout choice.
However, we can’t overlook the brilliance of HW A Midwinter Night’s Dram, a true winter masterpiece, and the intriguing bottle of HW Bourye.
But no matter which expression you choose, you get to taste and experience the American West’s rich bourbon heritage.
References:
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/this-founder-ditched-his-career-at-40-and-turned-a-hunch/288307
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
- https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1CB09V
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/things-you-never-realized-about-bourbon-whiskey
