Distillery: High West
Proof: 98.6
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill:
Whiskey 1: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (MGP)
Whiskey 2: 80% Rye, 20% Malted Rye (High West Distillate)
Price: $150 (MSRP) | $250+ (Retail)
Company
High West Distillery, located in Wanship, Utah, is known for its incredible rye whiskeys. It was founded in 2006 by David Perkins and his wife Jane and, according to the website, started with only a small 250-gallon still and a Saloon in a historic lively stable and garage.
Their offerings include Rendezvous Rye, High Country American Single Malt, Double Rye, and a bourbon.
Production
A Midwinter Night’s Dram is a limited-release rye whiskey that’s the result of High West’s classic Rendezvous Rye finished in ruby and tawny port barrels from Portugal.
A Midwinter Night’s Dram Review: Flavor Profile
Nose
Lots going on here. Strong cherry with maltiness and hints of caramel. While you can detect the rye, it doesn’t jump out like it normally does with rye whiskey. It also has earthy undertones. All-in-all very interesting and unique.
| Inspector’s Score | Insider’s Score | Average Score |
|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.25/5 |
Palate
Even more going on in the palate. It’s smooth and slightly sweet with hints of oak, cherry, pepper, and molasses. It gives off a feint cough syrup vibe but not in a bad way. Rye is obviously apparent but it does a great job at achieving balance and smoothness with a touch of dark fruit (from the port barrels).
| Inspector’s Score | Insider’s Score | Average Score |
|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.25/5 |
Finish
Medium lengthen with hints of pepper, oak, rye spice, and ginger. Less dynamic than the rest of the sip, but satisfying nonetheless.
| Inspector’s Score | Insider’s Score | Average Score |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.125/5 |
Value
At its MSRP of $150, I think A Midwinter Night’s Dram is a decent value. But since it’s a limited release, you’re realistically only going to find it in the $200-$300 range. And while it’s one of the best and most dynamic ryes I’ve ever had, it’s simply not worth that kind of cash.
This is a bottle I recommend buying once if you love rye, but I certainly wouldn’t try stocking up every chance you get.
| Inspector’s Score | Insider’s Score | Average Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
A Midwinter Night’s Dram Review…The Verdict
Verdict – 3.91/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.25 – 5
- Gold – 3.25 – 4.24
- Silver – 2.75 – 3.24
- Bronze – <2.75
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.