The only thing better than a single rye? Why, a High West Double Rye of course.
High West Distillery is a fairly small distillery based out of Park City, Utah of all the unexpected places. Utah isn’t exactly known for whiskey these days, but that’s exactly why founders David and Jane Perkins decided to set up shop there. As settlers moved farther west and miners began to congregate in small towns, whiskey was the best entertainment around. Old West Saloon’s were the hub of any town and whiskey was the hub of any Saloon. Throughout the years and decades, however, the art of distilling whiskey fell out of fashion in Utah. But in 2006, High West Distillery made history as Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870. Then they decided to create absolute whiskey magic.
High West Double Rye, as the name might suggest, is a blend of two separate ryes. The first carries a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% barley, while the other holds 80% rye and 20% malted rye. Luckily, the result is exactly what you would hope for and expect. High West Double Rye delivers twice the peppery, rye-y, spice without being too overwhelming. Instead, the spice wave is balanced out by a slightly sweet, herbal flavor from the caramel, cinnamon, and eucalyptus notes. All together it really feels like High West has cracked the rye code, which may have to do with their aging process and overall combination. While all rye whiskeys legally have to be aged for two years, High West uses 1 two-year-old rye and a second, older rye in their blend. The younger rye explains the punchy, peppery taste, while the older rye is likely responsible for the surprising lack of heat and bite in this bottle. High West Double Rye is definitely a rye lover’s dream, but the balanced flavor makes it an easy sipper for a rye beginner as well.
STATS: High West Whiskey Double Rye!
- Price for us: $50 for 750 mL
- Proof: 92
- Aged: Both aged minimum of 2 years
- Distillery: High West Distillery
- Recommendation: Neat
