High West’s annual release of its whiskey blended from straight ryes is a bit different this year, and for a good reason. The 2018 release is the first one to include “barely legal” straight rye from High West’s own distillery in Utah along with older MGP and Barton ryes in the blend.

The nose is aromatic with notes of black cherries, cinnamon candies, dried apricots, a hint of brown sugar, and a slight nuttiness. The taste has berry cobbler, black cherries, nice notes of wood, anise, and honey, and a slightly herbal touch. The finish is long and fruity with touches of raspberry jam and a slight mintiness. (July, 2018)