High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram
Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys Finished in Port Barrels
Act 14 (2026 release)

49.3% ABV
$125
Website

We would like to thank High West Distillery and /prompt for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery/Producer Says

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, High West Distillery announced the launch of its annual limited engagement release: A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 14. Built on High West’s flagship Rendezvous Rye base—a blend of straight rye whiskeys aged between 4 and 10 years—Act 14 expands the finishing program behind the cult-favorite winter release. While previous iterations relied on Ruby and Tawny Port barrels, Act 14 introduces Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks into the finishing profile alongside the signature Port casks. The expression is bottled non-chill filtered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV) in Park City, Utah.
Mash Bill
A blend of straight rye whiskeys: 95% rye, 5% barley malt (MGP), 80% rye, 20% malted rye (High West Distillery), 64% rye, 30% corn, 6% malted barley (BBC)
Official Sensory Notes:
Nose: Wild strawberries, blackberry-lemon preserves, singed apple slices, grapefruit blossom, honeycomb, sandalwood, autumn leaves, and warm figs in a leather satchel.
Palate: Blood orange flesh, cherry fruit leather, cinnamon-dusted plum crumble, quince jam, apricot scone with cold brew coffee, dried mint, toasted hazelnuts, and hickory wood.
Finish: Rich and vibrant, like a jam thumbprint cookie dipped in spiced chai tea.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich with port wine, plums, mint, rich, dark fruit, raisins, figs, cinnamon, allspice, orange zest and a hint of anise.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with blood orange, blackberries, chocolate fudge, caramel, cinnamon, mint, nutmeg, honey, cloves & toasted oak.
Finish: Medium to long in length, drying with dark fruits, citrus zip, cloves and a touch of anise.
Comments: After finding Acts 12 and 13 nearly indistinguishable (both bogged down by heavy port and muted rye spice) I feared that was the new normal for A Midwinter Night’s Dram. For the 20th anniversary Act 14, High West broke the mold by adding Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks alongside the usual Ruby and Tawny port. The result is delicious – more depth and better balance that allow the rye to shine through, cutting through the sweet fruit and banishing the sour oak note from the past two releases. With High West also dropping MSRP from $150 to $125, Act 14 is the closest Midwinter has come in years to recapturing that true “Christmas in a bottle” magic.

Rating: Must Try

Blue Note Honey Rye Cask 2026 Release
Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Casks

59.8% ABV
$65
Website

We would like to thank B.R. Distilling Co and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Blue Note Honey Rye Cask brings bold rye spice and natural sweetness into perfect harmony. We finish our whiskey in American oak barrels seasoned with barrel-aged wildflower honey, creating a soulful fusion of flavor and craft. Once rich with honey character, the casks welcome the rye back for an encore. Golden honey, baking spice, toasted oak and subtle caramel layer every sip, while Blue Note’s signature rye remains vibrant, balanced and smooth—a harmony finished with soul.

Technical Details
Product Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill: 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley
Proof & Filtration: 119.6/ 59.8 % ABV, Unfiltered
Crafted in Memphis, TN

Sensory Notes
Nose: Very Light Apricot, Vanilla, All Spice, and Oak
Taste: Caramel, Hints of Apricot, Oak, Floral Finish, All Spice.
Finish: Soft and Balanced, Light texture with lingering hints of Wildflower and Honey

What Gary Says

Nose: Honey, light caramel sauce, vanilla, citrus notes and subtle spice notes.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel with honey, caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, apricots and baked apple.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with honey, rye spice and subtle oak.
Comments: Another really nice pour! From memory, this is very much in line with last year’s release. Honey remains front and center, with enough rye spice to keep things in balance. If anything, the spice seems a touch more assertive, which suits me just fine. I still lean toward the rye of these two. At around $65 it isn’t an inexpensive bottle, but as a limited release that’s less of an issue. This remains one I’d keep an eye out for.

Rating: Must Try