High West Bourbon Whiskey captures the spirit of the American West through its masterful blending of straight bourbons aged a minimum of two years. Crafted in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Park City, Utah, this bold yet approachable bourbon boasts a rich, complex flavor profile. Expect inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit, followed by a smooth palate with notes of honey, spices, and a touch of cherry. Its carefully balanced blend of corn, rye, and barley creates a harmonious experience that's as versatile as it is satisfying—ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or elevating your favorite cocktail. At 92-proof, High West Bourbon celebrates the artistry of blending with exceptional depth, making it a must-have addition to any whiskey enthusiast's collection.
Process & Profile
High West Bourbon is crafted using a unique blend of straight bourbons aged from 2 to 13 years, sourced from multiple distillers including MGP, and blended at high altitude in the Rocky Mountains. Its mash bills include 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley malt, ensuring a perfect harmony of sweetness, spice, and complexity. Aged in charred American oak barrels and bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), the bourbon is non-chill filtered to preserve its full depth of flavor.
This innovative blending process results in a layered profile that combines the fruity sweetness of younger bourbons with the wood-forward notes of older whiskeys. High West's dedication to crafting balanced spirits sets it apart as a true pioneer in modern whiskey blending.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Delicate aromas of caramel, vanilla, and orange peel with subtle hints of dried fruit and spice.
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Palate: A rich medley of honey nougat, candy corn, and toasted spices mingles with earthy tones, cherries, and manuka honey for a creamy, well-rounded experience.
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Finish: Warm and satisfying with lingering notes of peanut brittle, chocolate orange, and a touch of oak.
Each sip of High West Bourbon delivers a smooth yet intricate journey through sweetness, spice, and refined complexity, making it perfect for both sipping and mixing.
What Makes It Special
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Exceptional Blending: High West utilizes an adventurous approach to whiskey making, blending bourbons of varying ages, mash bills, and distilleries to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
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High Rye Content: A generous rye proportion adds a spicy backbone, complementing the bourbon's natural corn sweetness and barley smoothness.
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Craftsmanship at Elevation: Crafted and aged at high altitude, the unique climate conditions impart distinct flavors to the bourbon.
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Commitment to Conservation: A portion of proceeds supports the American Prairie Reserve, promoting ecological preservation.
How to Enjoy
High West Bourbon's versatility makes it suitable for every occasion:
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Neat or On the Rocks: Fully appreciate its layered complexity and smooth finish.
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Classic Cocktails: Enhance iconic cocktails such as Old Fashioned or Bourbon Sour with its bold yet balanced flavors.
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Paired with Food: Its rich caramel and spice notes make it a perfect companion for smoky barbecue or rich desserts like pecan pie.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious newcomer, High West Bourbon Whiskey offers a taste adventure inspired by the rugged beauty of the American West. Elevate your bourbon collection with this distinctive blend today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High West Bourbon Whiskey made from?
High West Bourbon is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged between 2 and 13 years. Its mash bill includes different recipes, such as 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley from MGP, and 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley from other sources, creating a unique flavor profile.
What does High West Bourbon taste like?
High West Bourbon offers a straightforward flavor profile with notes of oak, vanilla, spice, and a hint of orange zest. Its finish is highlighted by dry oak, toasted nuts, and a touch of cinnamon.
Where is High West Bourbon made?
High West Distillery is located in Utah, making it the first legal distillery in the state since 1870. Most of its production now takes place at the Blue Sky Ranch Distillery in Wanship, Utah, which features state-of-the-art facilities.
What proof is High West Bourbon?
High West Bourbon is bottled at 92 proof (46% alcohol by volume), which balances flavor intensity while retaining all the natural characteristics of the whiskey.
Is High West Bourbon chill-filtered?
No, High West avoids chill-filtering. This ensures the whiskey retains more flavor and the natural compounds that contribute to its character.
What makes High West Bourbon unique?
High West Bourbon is known for its blending artistry, combining sourced and in-house distilled whiskeys to achieve complex and balanced flavors. The blending process ensures consistency and introduces nuanced profiles by selecting different whiskey attributes.
Can I visit High West Distillery?
Yes, the distillery offers tours and tastings at its Wanship, Utah location. Guests can explore its blending, aging, and bottling operations, and enjoy scenic views from the tasting room. Reservations are recommended.
Does High West support any causes?
Yes, High West donates 10% of after-tax profits from its American Prairie Bourbon to the American Prairie Reserve, which is one of the largest land conservation projects in North America.
What cocktails pair well with High West Bourbon?
High West Bourbon is versatile and works well in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, in addition to being enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
How can I purchase High West Bourbon?
You can purchase High West Bourbon at local retailers or through select shipping services if you live in states like Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, or Washington D.C. A signature from someone aged 21 or older is required upon delivery.
What awards has High West Bourbon won?
High West Bourbon earned a Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.