Must Try

George Dickel X Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Three Chamber
Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies

50% ABV
$100-$120
Website

What the Producer Says

George Dickel has teamed up with the Leopold Bros to produce an innovative rye whisky offering. The release blends George Dickel’s column still rye produced at Cascade Hollow Distillery with Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye to recreate a historic style. This union between column distilled rye and Three Chamber distilled rye turns back the hands of time, returning to an era that saw heavy-bodied rye whisky served at bars and saloons throughout America.

Tasting Notes: Rosewater, blackberries, caramel, lavender, fig and citrus are present followed by a finish combining earl gray, honey and cocoa.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Pinched fresh mint leaves, bright, lemon zest and tarragon.
Palate:  Viscous and creamy mouthfeel, lemon, honey, light caramel, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of clove.
Finish:  Moderately long with mint, citrus, cinnamon and white chocolate.
Comments:  I get notes of mint frequently with rye, but this takes it to a whole other level on the nose. The mint it intense while not overpowering it. A really well balanced, intriguing, and perhaps most importantly – delightful dram. Adding a bit of water tamps the mint note a bit on the nose, and tilts the citrus vibe from lemon to orange, while also bringing out a bit more orange on the palate. I really enjoyed sipping neat as well as with a few drops of water.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

High West The Noble Share
Blend of Straight Whiskeys finished in Marques de Casa Noble Añejo Barrels

52% 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

Continuing the tradition of cross-category innovation, High West Distillery is partnering with Casa Noble Tequila on the release of The Noble Share, a blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in Marques de Casa Noble extra añejo barrels. High West, the Park City-based distillery, is known for its meticulously sourced and thoughtfully blended whiskeys. Casa Noble is a fine tequila built on seven generations of mastery using innovative methods that honor modern Mexican culture. This collaboration is something that will appeal to both whiskey and tequila connoisseurs. The dichotomy of the brands and their respective regions is reflected on the label, mirroring one another yet displaying their vastly different geographies. This is an exciting collaboration for the Spirits community and High West is honored to blend its’ whiskey traditions with Casa Noble’s heritage and offer this new expression to consumers.

This unique and limited edition expression leverages 4- to 10-year-old rye whiskeys and finishes them in Marques de Casa Noble añejo tequila barrels for 6 months. A portion of the blend is finished in Amburana barrels at a char of 3 or medium toast treatments for a small period to elevate the whiskey even further. This whiskey blends the heritage of High West Whiskey with the 7-generation legacy and craftsmanship of Casa Noble to create an exceptional bottle of whiskey that tastes and feels unlike any other. It is the first-ever collaboration between Casa Noble and High West.

Sensory Notes
Nose: Ripe mango, ruby grapefruit, spiced apple cider, piloncillo sugar, anise, allspice berries, mesquite wood, sunset walk through an agave field
Palate: Baked pear, charred peaches, ginger molasses cookie, freshly fried churro, orange blossom, cinnamon bark, black licorice, oak, leather
Finish: Pink peppercorns, dark agave honey on a sopapilla

Mash Bill
High West Distillery Rye (80% rye, 20% malted rye)
MGP Rye 4-10 years old (95% rye, 5% malted barley)

What Gary Says

Nose:  Tropical fruit notes of mango and candied pineapple, agave, floral undertones, tarragon, squeeze of lime, cinnamon, hint of anise and oak spices.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, fruity with pears, apples and peaches, cinnamon pastry, agave and blood orange.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying with citrus and cinnamon.
Comments:  This is a really interesting whiskey! The tequila finish shines through but isn’t overpowering and really complements the core rye base. The amburana finish is also deftly managed, bringing that cinnamon roll note to the party. This drinks deliciously neat, but adding just a few drops of water opens up that amburana cinnamon roll with vanilla icing on both the nose and palate. High West has always been innovative and not afraid to try new things (I think back to when they released Campfire, a blend of bourbon, rye and scotch, back in 2012; made it my mission to hunt one down and was glad I did!) This may not be quite as groundbreaking as Campfire was at the time, but a very nice sipping whiskey.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try