High West Bourye Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review.
High West Bourye Blend of Straight Whiskeys Review.
High West has long held a place on my shelf, and in my heart, but not without scrutiny. I’ve been a vocal fan of their older Double Rye picks, but recent years brought changes to their lineups and blends, not always for the better. So when I stumbled across their relaunch of the Bourye blend here in Indiana, I hesitated. The bottle didn’t initially flash an age statement, and I was prepared to pass, but fate (and a cheaper second sighting) nudged me to give it a go.
This relaunch of Bourye is a blend of straight bourbons and ryes, non-chill filtered, with a 10-year age statement subtly tucked on the back label. The blend is impressively diverse (look below for the full blend) bringing together MGP staples, High West’s own distillate, and some undisclosed Kentucky character — creating a well-rounded and complex profile.
Age Statement: 10+ years.
ABV: 46%.
Mash bill: Blend components: Bourbon & Rye.
- 95% rye, 5% barley malt from MGP.
- 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West.
- 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt from MGP.
- 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley from MGP.
- 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley from KY.
- 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West.
- 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt from MGP.
- 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley from MGP.
- 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley from KY.
Area of Distillation: Indiana, Utah, and Kentucky.
Appearance: Honeycomb Amber.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The aroma is vibrant and expressive. Fruity layers dominate, apples, pears, mango, even apricots and peaches. It’s one of the most fruit-forward noses I’ve encountered in a whiskey, bursting with a bubble gum character reminiscent of Hubba Bubba or Big League Chew. The rye content lends an herbal spice and subtle floral notes, while the bourbon backbone contributes classic vanilla, oak, and caramel. There’s also a hint of toasted almond, cedar, and an unexpected maple sweetness that briefly reminds me of Jack Daniel’s. Nothing off-putting. Just rich, layered, and intriguing.
Taste:
The sip opens with a wave of vanilla and caramel that quickly transitions into a fruit-filled pastry, think apple turnover with a sugar glaze. The rye adds a noticeable spice, slightly herbal and floral, with a touch of green grassiness. A second sip reveals more jammy richness, evoking fruit preserves or diced peaches soaked in syrup. Notes of crème brûlée emerge, caramelized sugar on top, creamy custard beneath, balancing sweetness and spice.
Finish:
If there’s a weak point, it’s here. The finish drops off a bit too quickly, leaving only traces of cedar, light pepper, and some lingering fruit notes. At 46%, it drinks smoothly, but I can’t help wondering if a slightly higher proof would’ve helped it cling longer.
Final Thoughts:
High West’s relaunch of the Bourye blend is a welcome surprise. It manages to highlight both the boldness of rye and the sweetness of bourbon without either overwhelming the other. The 10-year age statement grounds it with maturity, and the fruit-forward profile is among the most enjoyable I’ve tasted in a blended whiskey. While the $125 MSRP is steep, I found mine at $83. At that price, it's an easy recommendation. Around $90, it's still a worthy pickup. Just be cautious of retailers asking upwards of $150.
Rating: -A (Amazing).
Cost: $82.99 for 750ml.
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