The Last Call

     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. For the full vide...

     High West has been on my radar more than usual lately, surprising me in ways I didn’t quite expect. I’ll admit, I’ve been critical of them in the past, particularly when it comes to pricing, but this Bottled in Bond release caught my attention. Not only is it one of their first whiskeys made entirely from their own distillate (following the Bottled in Bond Rye), but it also comes with a level of transparency that I greatly appreciate. From mash bill to grain sourcing, High West is showing us exactly what went into this bottle, and that makes me lean in closer.      This straight bourbon comes in at 50% ABV, aged a minimum of four years under the Bottled in Bond Act requirements. The mash bill uses GMO Colorado yellow corn and Idaho rye, no barley or wheat in sight. That grain-forward approach really sets the tone, and it’s refreshing to see High West not only disclose the mash bill but also the origin of the grains themselves. For the full video 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. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/6G6VQhqc7Ik . Age Statement: 10+ years. ABV: 46%. Mash bill...

  Clear Water Distilling Barrel Strength 7 Year Straight Rye Whiskey Review.      I received this spirit from Clear Water Distilling, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Clear Water Distillery,  A few years back I ordered a bottle of ScandaLust Cinnamon Whiskey (now known as Canela) from Clear Water Distillery, and instantly fell in love. Not only because I'm a sucker for cinnamon, but due to their process on creating it using real cinnamon sticks in the process. They have this same sight on their other spirit offerings, dabbling in Eau-De-Vie, Vodka, Lorenz (Rum with a twist), Rye-Magnac (A Rye blended with Armagnac) and just announcing a Sophie's Gin.           Honestly, I love seeing a craft distillery really try some unique spirits and having fun. It helps make the spirit world turn. In a few releases, Clear Water did two different Rye whiskeys sourced...