Other Whisk(e)ys

High West The Prisoner’s Share
Blend of Straight Whiskeys finished in The Prisoner Red Blend wine barrels

51% ABV
$175
Website

We would like to thank High West Whiskey and lippe taylor for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Since originally launching in 2022, The Prisoner’s Share has become a prime example of the magic that happens when a whiskey is finished in a red wine barrel. This year’s iteration of The Prisoner’s Share boasts an exquisite palate of Montmorency cherries, raspberry preserves on brioche toast, cacao nibs, brown butter caramel, roasted chestnuts, bergamot tea, and seasoned French Oak. As a premier sipping whiskey, this year’s version of The Prisoner’s Share is one of High West’s favorite limited edition whiskeys.

Sensory Notes
Nose: Pomegranate kernels, cranberry biscotti, pecan brittle, orange zest, cinnamon bark, light roast espresso, tanned leather from a cedar closet
Taste: Montmorency cherries, raspberry preserves on brioche toast, cacao nibs, brown butter caramel, roasted chestnuts, bergamot tea, and seasoned French Oak
Finish: Black currant jam with a subtle rye spice

Mash Bill
75 % corn, 21% rye, 4& malted barley (MGP)
60% corn, 40% rye (BBC)
78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley (Kentucky)
95% rye, 5% malted barley (MGP)
80% rye, 20% malted rye (High West own make)
Age Length: 4-12 years

What Gary Says

Nose: Cranberries, orange zest, cherries, toffee, oak, raw honey, cinnamon and dry red wine.
Palate: Sour cherries, cranberries, cocoa, honey, walnuts, cinnamon and black pepper.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with cherries, cinnamon and pepper spice.
Comments: A very nice dram that is quite dark in the glass, with a red hue evident from the finishing. The Prisoner Red Blend wine barrel finishing is quite prominent and pronounced, which if you are a fan of the wine is likely a plus. If you’re not into wine, you may find this finishing is a tad heavy and can mask the underlying spirits. I’m not a huge wine fan personally, but I found the distinctive flavors unique and interesting, and really enjoyed this in an Old Fashioned (and I haven’t tried it yet in a traditional rye cocktail like a Manhattan, but imagine it would do well!)

Rating: Stands Out

High West High Country
American Single Malt Whiskey

44.8% ABV
$80
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’s High Country American Single Malt is a single malt whiskey distilled and blended by High West in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, aged for 4-8 years. Recognized for its robust, flavor-forward profile, this year’s expression features unique notes of sourdough French Toast, crème caramel and fresh-picked kumquats. This monumental release marks a momentous occasion for the distillery on the heels of the TTB’s decision last month to formally recognize American single malt as an official whiskey category in the U.S.

“We can’t wait to share this year’s High Country American Single Malt with whiskey lovers throughout the state,” said Tara Lindley, Director of Blend & Sensory at High West Distillery. “With a slightly older age perception, the blended single malt whiskeys of this rendition were aged in used and new charred white American oak barrels, with a portion finished in French oak Ruby Port, Oloroso Sherry, and PX Sherry barrels for a distinctly robust flavor profile.”

Bottles of the limited run of High Country American Single Malt are available now throughout Utah. The spirit can be purchased at High West General Store in Old Town Park City, High West Distillery on Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, or UT state liquor stores for $79.99 per bottle.

On the Nose: Wildflower honey, golden raisins, lemon peel, chamomile, sourdough French toast, roasted Brazil nuts, mossy wooden bridge over a babbling brook
Palate: Rich layered toffee notes, ripe cantaloupe, graham cracker, crème caramel, dried hay, puffed cereal, cocoa nibs, leather
Finish: Fresh-picked kumquats, maple pecan pie
How to Drink: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water while appreciating a magnificent western vista.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Apricot, pears, honey suckle, floral notes, nutty with a bit of oak.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet and fruity with baked pears, apricots and tangerines, vanilla with a bit of pepper spice.
Finish:  Moderate in length, drying with pepper spice and a light caramel note.
Comments:  American Single Malt Whiskey is still a pretty new category, which is exciting and challenging at the same time. Exciting as it lends itself well to innovation and different approaches, but challenging as there isn’t a “baseline expectation”. I found this pour to be interesting, and definitely won’t be confused with bourbon or rye. This has more in common with its cousins from across the pond. The lower ABV lends to this being easy to drink and approachable, although it leaves me wondering ‘what might have been’ at a higher proof. Maybe a cask strength limited edition someday?

Rating: Stands Out