High West Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey.
High West is one of those brands that pulled me in early on, and I’ve stuck around ever since. From Campfire being one of my first love-at-first-sip bottles to always keeping Double Rye picks on hand, they’ve earned a lot of goodwill with me over the years. That said, I’ve also been vocal about their pricing creeping up while some releases haven’t quite hit the same highs as earlier versions. So when I saw a bottled-in-bond rye made entirely from High West’s own distillate, I was curious… and cautiously optimistic.
This release feels like a statement bottle. No sourcing, no blending gymnastics — just 100% High West rye, bottled in bond, and ready to stand on its own. This Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled in bond at 50% ABV and aged a minimum of four years, meeting all the classic Bottled-in-Bond requirements. While four years isn’t a headline-grabbing age, this whiskey makes it clear that age statements don’t tell the whole story.
Age Statement: +4 years (Bottled in bond).
ABV: 50%.
Mash bill: 80% rye & 20% malted rye.
Area of Distillation: Park City, Utah.
Appearance: Deep golden amber.
On the nose:
Shockingly sweet for a rye. Herbal, floral, and almost medicinal in the best way, with notes of sweet rye bread, vanilla icing, ginger, and grassy botanicals. There’s a distinct citronella plant note that oddly works, bringing back campfire memories without drifting into anything harsh. Add in canned fruit sweetness, light caramel, and subtle barrel char, and the nose just keeps unfolding. No alcohol bite, no off notes — just layered and inviting.
Taste:
Earthy and herbal up front with a surprising sweetness riding alongside the spice. Rye grain bread, sweet cream, vanilla, and a touch of black pepper come through, followed by wood sugars and a gentle cooling menthol-like sensation. Green apple tartness, pastry crust, and light oak round things out. The mouthfeel is solid and warming, and most impressively, it doesn’t drink young at all.
Finish:
Medium to long with lingering spice, herbal sweetness, and rye grain staying present without drying out. Balanced, clean, and incredibly drinkable.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of the biggest surprises I’ve had from High West in a while. Flavor-wise, it punches well above its age and showcases what their in-house distillate is capable of. The only real sticking point is the price. At $75–80, it faces stiff competition, but the quality is undeniable. If this ever hits the $60 range, it becomes an absolute no-brainer. Even as it stands, it’s worth the hunt — and I can’t wait to see what this becomes with more age.
Rating: -A (Amazing).
Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.
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