High West Releases A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9

High West recently unveiled the ninth rendition of A Midwinter Night’s Dram, a limited release of their High West Rendezvous Rye finished in Ruby and Tawny port barrels.

High West, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, is known for what’s described as its adventurous spirit of the American West and for making whiskeys that push boundaries, experimenting beyond traditional bourbon and rye with new blends and flavor profiles, and new limited edition expressions yearly.

“A Midwinter Night’s Dram is easily our most anticipated limited release blend of the year. It’s High West’s Rendezvous Rye finished in both Ruby and Tawny Port barrels for an additional one to two years,” said Master Distiller Brendan Coyle in a prepared statement. “This year’s release, Act 9, provides notes of dark fig and blackberry layered over that wonderful spice character that great ryes have to offer. We recommend sipping this spirit neat to experience its many layers of complexity.”

A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 (image via High West)

The distiller’s official tasting notes show this blend of straight rye whiskeys opens with hints of muddled blackberries, honey-poached figs, chocolate covered cherries, toasted marshmallow, gentian root, star anise and hoisin sauce.

On the palate, it offers sugar plums, blackberries, spiced bitter orange peel, toffee cookies aside an orange tea, fresh dates, cinnamon strudel, brown sugar glass, and dried thyme leaves.

The finish yields aromatic bitters, pink peppercorn, violets and mint.

A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9, coming in at 98.6 proof, is available starting this month for $99.99 per bottle.

High West’s locations include their High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah, a 30,000-square-foot distillery and visitor center featuring educational tours and High West’s unique country-western cuisine; and the High West Distillery & Saloon in historic Old Town Park City, the world’s only ski-in gastro distillery.