High West Prisoner's Share Blend of Whiskeys Review.

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High West Prisoner's Share Blend of Whiskeys Review.


    Every once in a while, a bottle that has been on your “unicorn list” for years shows up when you least expect it. That’s exactly how I felt when I spotted High West’s The Prisoner’s Share on a late August hunt here in Indiana. Batch three of this limited release was not only on the shelf, but somehow still priced at SRP, a rarity for something this sought after. After an hour of pacing and debating, curiosity won out, and I walked back into the store to claim it.

    This whiskey is High West’s blend of straight bourbons and ryes, aged anywhere from 4 to 12 years, and finished in casks that once held The Prisoner, a bold and acclaimed blend of red wines. With High West blending in distillate potentially sourced from Bardstown, Indiana, Tennessee, and their own stocks, it’s a layered and mysterious release. Pricey, yes, but also intriguing enough to demand a closer look.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/b6AjMlSInNI.

Age Statement: N/A (Website states 4+ Years).

ABV: 51%.

Mash bill: N/A (A Blend of Bourbon & Rye).

Area of Distillation: N/A. 

Appearance: Deep red mahogany.


On the nose: 
    The first impression is a burst of jammy richness, raspberry compote, tart cherry juice, and dark fruit preserves. Beneath that, rye spice asserts itself with herbal and medicinal notes, likely from MGPi's famous 95/5 mash bill. Hints of caramel and vanilla peek through alongside pink peppercorn, orange zest, and a touch of oak. Most impressively, the wine cask influence is vibrant without veering into the “funk” that plagues many wine finishes.


Taste:
    Velvety, thick, and luxurious. Raspberry ganache and dark chocolate lead the charge, coating the palate in richness. Cherry cola syrup and tart cherry juice follow, joined by rye spice and herbal depth. Cinnamon stick and cocoa build complexity, eventually forming a raspberry mocha-like character. The texture is stunning, both thick and silky, while layers of spice and sweetness remain in harmony.


Finish:
    Long, lingering, and balanced. Raspberry dark chocolate, mocha, and a touch of peppercorn fade slowly, leaving behind sweetness without cloying heaviness. The wine influence enhances rather than overwhelms, showcasing how precise cask finishing can elevate a blend.


Final Thoughts: 
    High West’s The Prisoner’s Share is a masterclass in wine cask finishing. The balance between dark fruit, chocolate, and rye spice is captivating, and the mouthfeel alone makes it memorable. That said, the price point is steep for a non-age-stated blend, especially given High West’s limited transparency about finishing times, age of stock being use, and exact sourcing.

    A gorgeous sip, a bottle worth savoring, and one of the best wine cask finishes I’ve tried in years. If you ever come across it, don’t hesitate to try it, you’ll likely be as pleasantly surprised as I was.


Rating: A- (Amazing).

Cost: $177.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/b6AjMlSInNI.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.

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