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High West Bottled-In-Bond Rye Review

How do you elevate an already resurgent rye whiskey? High West's answer: make it bonded. But does this young 100-proof expression justify its $79.99 price tag?

OVERALL RATING

7
$79.99
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

High West out of Utah boasts many excellent offerings. From the highly allocated Midwinter through to the shelf staples like Prairie or Campfire whiskey, High West is becoming nationally recognized for quality products and an ever expanding portfolio. Which is why it came as no surprise to this reviewer that they entered into the bonded market with a Rye and Bourbon.

This offering is a bonded rye whiskey which is a little different. Rye, as you likely know, is experiencing a resurgence of late. How do you take a whiskey to another level? Well you subject it to the quality requirements of bonding.

As a bonded whiskey, it is 100° proof. The mashbill is made up of 80% rye and 20% malted rye. It was distilled by High West in Wanship, UT. It was released in February 2024 and will be available “across the nation” for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (though at the time of writing this, it is currently sold out on the High West website).
Appearance:
Bronze
Nose:
Juniper and mint, wrapped in floral elements. There is burnt sugar, dried grain, and currant. Orange peel dances on the fringes.
Palate:
Mint, honey, and mixed grains. There is a rye pop with red pepper, coriander and eucalyptus.
Finish:
A watery mouthfeel overall, but a botanical back end with a medium hold. Throughout the finish you will be warmly greeted with some notes of juniper, eucalyptus, and a touch of oak barrel.
Comments:
Overall a quality, albeit, young rye whiskey. I love bonded whiskies as I find the mix of proof to age is often excellent. Here is no exception. It’s a young rye whiskey but isn’t over or under proofed. You get a lot of the lovely aspects of rye whiskey without too much punchiness. I think some age will help it mellow and be more approachable but for those looking for an enjoyable dram that is a little different, this is a great selection.

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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