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Whiskey Review: High West High Country American Single Malt

This whiskey, High Country, is a limited edition offering in the newly minted American Single Malt style. The label indicates this is a blend of barrels no younger than 2-years old.

OVERALL RATING

7
$69
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

High West Distilling out of Park City Utah has long been a driver in the the American Single Malt movement. Nestled in the snowy mountains of Park City, Utah, High West has transformed itself into a rather big player in American whiskey. This whiskey, High Country, is a limited edition offering in the newly minted American Single Malt style. The label indicates this is a blend of barrels no younger than 2-years old. Research indicates it may have whiskey as old as nine years as well, but I was not able to verify.


Appearance:
Light gold
Nose:
The low proof allows for the whiskey to provide a large bouquet of notes. There is warm caramel overlaying a citrus like lemon peel. Coming back to the glass there is cedar pine, salt, a refreshing note like fresh linens. Overall it is easy to come back to again-and-again.
Palate:
We start with charcoal of the barrel before milk chocolate evolves on the tongue. There is a tangy note on the tongue but the whiskey remains airy and light. The midpalate displays sweet fruit like melon and vanilla. The close is tangy with notes of salted plum.
Finish:
There is a light smoke with coffee grounds and white sugar holding across the tongue. It is soft and muted but present.
Comments:
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I really feel this whiskey is one to be shared. Be forewarned, it does not hold up against higher proof whiskey and you’ll want to start an evening with this. Against a monster cigar or a high proof whiskey, the subtle notes of this won’t hit the same way.

However, if you’re starting off an evening or whiskey tasting, this is a great starting point. It’s airy, approachable, something you want to sip and not put down. You also don’t need a masterclass in whiskey to identify flavors and notes. This is a terrific entry point for the new American Single Malt style, and worthy of a glass.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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