High West Cask Strength
A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Batch No: 25K14
58.5% ABV
$70
Website
We would like to thank High West Whiskey and lippe taylor for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
High West Distillery is toasting to the start of the New Year (2026) with the release of Cask Strength, a new limited-edition blend of straight bourbon whiskeys. Bold yet approachable, this release welcomes both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and curious newcomers, and joins High West’s portfolio of fan-favorite core expressions. Available nationwide in limited quantities, Cask Strength can also be purchased at the High West Saloon and via the High West website beginning January 12th, 2026.
The release arrives at a milestone moment for High West, following Distilling Director Isaac Winter’s Master Distiller Certification – a highly respected distinction earned through a rigorous process and reflective of decades-old traditions in American whiskey-making. On Cask Strength, Isaac shares:
“This was a really fun blend to put together. Building on our high-rye blending philosophy, this Cask Strength expression uses our Bourye blending approach to precisely balance rye-driven spice with malted barley richness, resulting in layered complexity and a bold, lasting presence that keeps you coming back.”
This small-batch bourbon is composed of straight bourbons aged between 6 and 20 years, finished in new, charred American white oak barrels to deliver remarkable balance, complexity, and depth. Some details about the liquid are below:
Mash Bills:
60% Corn, 40% Malted Barley – Kentucky
60% Corn, 40% Rye – Kentucky
75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley – Indiana
78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley – Kentucky
84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley – Tennessee
On the Nose: Butter-poached green apples, candied Meyer lemons, cornbread drizzled with honey, brioche toast points, crushed walnuts, allspice, sarsaparilla, fresh hay, new wooden porch swing
Tasting Notes: Sweet plantains with cinnamon, dried apricots, peach crumble, homemade toffee, Earl Grey Crème tea, nutmeg, rose, hickory, seasoned oak.
Finish: Kumquat, white chocolate, velvety spice.
Availability: National Limited Release
Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
What Gary Says
Nose: Salted caramel, toffee, oak, cinnamon, cocoa, cloves, honey and lemon zest.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with vanilla, fudge, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, pepper, mixed nuts and oak.
Finish: Moderately long with caramel, baking spices and pepper.
Comments: This is a really lovely offering from the fine folks at High West. While non-age stated, appreciate sharing the details of the mash bills (and states of distillation). While I’m curious about the age, what matters most to me is what’s in the glass – and this is a delightful dram. Each time I sat down with it, I found something new I enjoyed about it.