High West Bottled-In-Bond Rye Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: High West Distillery
• MASH BILL: 80% Rye | 20% Malted Rye
• AGE: 4
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 100 (50% ABV)
• MSRP: $79.99
• BUY ONLINE: High West Distillery Online Store

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any rye lover or rye bourbon lover

WORTH THE PRICE: Yeah

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle

OVERALL: When I saw the press release touting this rye as all rye, all rye, all rye, I responded immediately with a “yes” for the press sample offer. I opened it immediately upon receipt and found it coiled up like a snake and needing to unwind before showing much of the character that would come with a bit of some space in the bottle. Several weeks later, it delivered.

On the nose is candied fruit, nougat, freshly baked yeast rolls, dried ginger, creamed candy, light caramel and divinity cookies. The palate delivers classic spicy rye whiskey zip (white pepper backed by just a bit of peppermint) before giving way to cooked green apple, key lime pie, golden raisins and light caramel. It’s bold and balanced, and practically begs to be stirred into a Sazerac, Manhattan or a Big Texan cocktail.

The cost, $79.99, is certainly high compared to other BIBs and rye BIBs, but it gets extra points from me for 100% rye and the challenges that it can pose. And thumbs up for the great pot still performance. Often, pot-distilled rye comes off weirdly fruity and begging for more manners and sophistication from the barrel. There’s none of that here. The grain is well expressed here by some artful distilling.

BRAND NOTES

A boldly flavored whiskey treat made with 100% High West Pot Still Rye. Made in accordance with the standards laid out by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, it’s a whiskey that does everything right. One base spirit, crafted at a single distillery, by a single distiller, in a single distilling season. Must be aged a minimum of 4 years and bottled at 100 proof in a federally bonded warehouse. 

Nose:
Toasted brioche with spiced pear jam, oatmeal raisin cookies, English toffee, sweet rock candy, lavender flowers, dried ginger

Taste:
Cooked apples with sage, toasty edge of a sugar cookie, fresh grated nutmeg, cinnamon candies, cacao nibs, juniper spice

Finish:
Subtle coconut caramel, center-tin pie crust, wildflower honey

How to Enjoy:
Neat or with a splash of water

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.