If you have a soft spot for drinking rye whiskeys, you must not miss out on double rye whiskeys. It is twice as spicy and rich as your average rye whiskey.
One of the popular whiskey selections is the High West Double Rye, a blend of two rye whiskeys.
Here’s our honest review about High West Double Rye- price, interesting facts, and what separates it from other rye whiskeys on the market today.
What’s High West Double Rye Whiskey?
High West Double Rye whiskey embodies a well-balanced boldness of rye spice and botanical notes in every bottle. It was previously a sourced whiskey from MGP and Barton before substituting the sixteen-year-old whiskey with the company’s distillate in 2018.
The High West Double rye is a blend of two two-year-old rye whiskeys. It is bottled at 92 proof (46%) and is blended to be boldly sipped, savored, and stirred. Check out the best rye whiskeys to drink straight here.
Did You Know?
History & Origin
High West Double Rye whiskey is a product of High West Distillery from Utah, and for years, the blend consisted of sixteen-year-old rye and two-year-old MGP rye whiskey.
It was in 2018 when the company began substituting the sixteen-year-old sourced whiskey with a blend of pot and column still whiskies.
How It’s Made
The High West Double rye whiskey is a blend of rye whiskeys distilled using column and pot stills.
The whiskey’s mash bill and blend ratio are not disclosed; however, the bold spice character is evident in the whiskey’s flavor profile. It features 46% ABV (92 Proof).
Rye whiskeys should contain at least 51% rye on their mash bill [1], and it is curated to highlight the spicy notes of rye whiskey.
Aging Process & Age Statement
High West Double Rye bears a two-year age statement on the back label of every bottle. The rye whiskeys are aged in a new charred oak barrel for a certain time.
Previously, it was a blend of a two-year-old rye whiskey from MGP and a sixteen-year-old rye whiskey.
However, since the blend percentage of two whiskeys is undisclosed, they must comply with the federal regulation that prohibits age statements unless blend percentages are stated [2].
Read: What Does Rye Whiskey Taste Like?
Tasting Notes
Palate: Sweet vanilla, honey, cinnamon stick, light flavors of honey, botanical notes, and prominent rye spice
Color/Hue: Golden to reddish brown
Nose: Anise, clove, mint, leather, juniper, oak, fresh dill, and rye
Finish: Complex, lengthy, oaky, cinnamon, sweet rye spice, oak, and vanilla
Ownership & Distillery
High West Double Rye is owned and founded by David Perkins and his wife.
David was a former biochemist and was inspired to start his distillery after seeing the parallels between his work in biochemistry and the whiskey production process.
In 2006, the High West Distillery in Park City, Utah, became the first legal distillery since 1870.
Price & Value
Double Rye whiskies have increased in price over the years, often around $35 to $40 per bottle.
Despite being a unique and high-quality double rye whiskey, High West is priced accordingly, and the masses can continuously enjoy a double rye whiskey without breaking the bank. Here’s an ideal way to drink rye whiskey.
Common High West Double Rye Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| High West Double Rye Whiskey | 375 ml | 46% | Around $21.99 |
| 750 ml | Around $37.99 |
*Average prices are based on Drizly. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Compared to Other High Rye Whiskeys
Bulleit Rye
If you are looking for a slightly cheaper alternative for High West, you can check out the Bulleit Rye. For around $32.99 per 750 ml, you can savor the spicy character and bold flavor of Bulleit rye whiskey.
Check out other High West whiskeys here.
291 Distillery High Rye Whiskey
291 Distillery High Rye whiskey can be expensive for high-rye whiskeys because a bottle costs around $99.99. It is a unique and traditional single-barrel rye whiskey aged in American white oak barrels.
Redemption Barrel 9-Year High Rye
Redemption Barrel is another expensive alternative for High West. The limited edition barrel offering costs around $99.99 on Drizly online, and it is a rich and complex whiskey.
Popular High West Double Rye Cocktail Recipe
High West Modern Old Fashioned
Prep Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 8 mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz High West Double Rye whiskey
- 1 oz High West American Prairie Bourbon whiskey
- 1 orange slice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Brandied cherries
Instructions: In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle orange slice, simple syrup, and bitters. Combine the rest of the ingredients and stir with ice before topping it off with brandied cherries.
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to High West Double Rye Price
What is the difference between rye and double rye?
Double rye whiskey is a blend of two average rye whiskeys. On the other hand, rye whiskey is a distilled spirit with high rye content.
Is High West Double Rye whiskey discontinued?
No, High West Double Rye whiskey is not discontinued. However, the new bottlings contain two two-year-old rye whiskeys instead of their previous blend of two-year-old and sixteen-year-old rye whiskey.
How much does High West Double Rye cost?
The price of High West Double Rye can vary depending on factors like location, retailer, and any ongoing promotions. It’s best to check with your local liquor store or online retailers for current pricing.
Does the price of High West Double Rye reflect its quality?
Although it’s not always the case, quality might occasionally be indicated by price. High West Double Rye is known for its unique flavor profile and craftsmanship, so it’s worth considering factors beyond just the price.
Are there any factors that affect the price of High West Double Rye?
Yes, factors such as production costs, aging process, packaging, and brand reputation can all influence the price of High West Double Rye.
In Summary
The High West Double rye price is acceptable for its flavor profile and tasting notes. Even though there was a transition with their new blend, the result is not bad.
The humble roots of the High West have grown to be a well-acclaimed and award-winning whiskey brand.
References:
- https://www.seriouseats.com/guide-to-rye-whiskey-cocktail-101-basics-what-is-rye-how-is-it-made-brands
