High West Bourye (2025 Release) Review

Distillery: Blended—See Below

Proof: 92.0 (46.0% ABV)

Age: 10+ Years

Mashbill: Blended—See Below

MSRP: $125

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High West Bourye (2025 Release) Review: A Masterful Bourbon+Rye Blend

High West Distillery, based in Park City, Utah, has a reputation for blending both its own distillate and carefully sourced whiskeys into new and distinct expressions. Among its most anticipated releases is Bourye, a fusion of straight bourbon and straight rye whiskey. The name itself—a combination of “bourbon” and “rye”—hints at the whiskey’s aim to showcase the best of both worlds.

First introduced in 2009, Bourye has not always been an easy bottle to track down. Between 2012 and 2015, it disappeared from shelves, reported due to sourcing challenges.  Since 2015, it returned only in limited quantities.

With each new iteration, High West evolves the formula based on barrel selection and the distillery’s creative direction. For 2025, High West is expanding Bourye to a nationwide distribution, offering a broader audience the chance to experience a bourbon-rye blend.

2025 Release Compared to Previous Years – Core Identity Remains

2024 Release Highlights:

• Straight Rye components: 95% rye / 5% malted barley (MGP) & 80% rye / 20% malted rye (High West)
• Straight Bourbon components: 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% malted barley (MGP) & 78% corn / 10% rye / 12% malted barley (Kentucky)

2025 Release Highlights:

• Straight Rye components: Maintains the same rye sources as 2024 (95% rye / 5% malted barley & 80% rye / 20% malted rye).
• Straight Bourbon components: Introduces a new high-rye bourbon mash bill—60% corn / 36% rye / 4% malted barley—while retaining the 75% corn / 21% rye / 4% malted barley and 78% corn / 10% rye / 12% malted barley components.

The key evolution for 2025 is the inclusion of the 60% corn / 36% rye bourbon, which seems aimed at creating increased balance between the spice-forward character of the rye with the sweetness of traditional bourbon. This addition likely enhances the whiskey’s complexity while holding true to the signature Bourye character that made previous editions a success.

High West Bourye (2025 Release) Review: Tasting Notes

(Tasted at the High West Distillery–Wanship, Utah)

Nose – 4.25/5

A wave of of caramel and baked apples mingle with fully ripe dark red cherries.creating a sweetness that draws you in. Vanilla and toasted oak emergen then gradually yield way to an herbal spice character from the heavy rye influence. There’s a significant but endearing tension between the sweet and savory—think walking through a farm orchard then direct into their spice gift shop.

Palate – 4.5/5

The first sip delivers a full-bodied, slightly oily mouthfeel that nicely coats the Palate. Bourye2025 delivers on the expectation of sweet and spice elements found on the Nose. Cinnamon-sugar dusted pastry notes—freshly baked morning cinnamon rolls—interwoven with vanilla create a light dessert-like sweetness that somehow manages to play well with black pepper, warm baking spices, and subtle hints of dark cocoa. The high-rye bourbon is evident here as the rye spice comes full forward as we head into the Finish.

Finish – 3.25/5

A long, warming Finish gradually unfolds, beginning with the prototypical rye spice before transitioning into seasoned oak and bittersweet dark chocolate notes. The warmth fades into a bold, peppery reminder of the significant amount of rye-forward distillate that lingers a touch more aggressively than one might want. While the length is impressive, the Finish favors the rye more than the bourbon which takes away from the nearly perfect balance found on the Palate.

Value – 4/5

With an MSRP of $125, the 2025 Bourye positions itself firmly in the premium category. However, the broader nationwide release ensures better accessibility compared to previous limited editions. The evolving blend, well-aged components (10+years), and craftsmanship makes it a good pick-up for both bourbon and rye enthusiasts who look to experience a whiskey that bridges the two worlds.

High West Bourye (2025 Release) Review: The Verdict

The 2025 Bourye release continues High West’s blending legacy by offering a refined whiskey that embraces both the warm spice of rye and the caramel sweetness of bourbon. The addition of a high-rye bourbon component makes this a well-balanced, multidimensional pour.

With its expanded nationwide distribution, this is a bottle worth watching for on your local shelves.  Just be sure to check the label to ensure you’re getting the 2025 release.

Verdict – 4/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3