High West Rendezvous Rye

High West entry #2. The first was 6 and a half years ago—that being the Campfire. I really enjoyed that one, and I’m pretty surprised it’s taken me this long to get to another. In this one we have High West’s mid-tier rye. It’s the original bottle-style—from Batch No. 19J25. Nose: Black pepper. Cinnamon Applejacks. Some black cherry. Vanilla custard. Bubblegum. Brown sugar. Palate: Even more of the Cinnamon Applejacks and black cherry. It’s very sweet and light. Vanilla. Orange citrus. Summer wheat ale and sweetened ice tea. Black licorice. Clove and nutmeg. Sawdust. Pistachio. Black pepper. Dill. Oak. Finish: Lemon and orange citrus. Black pepper. Dill. Clove, nutmeg, and oak. Cinnamon Applejacks once again. Moderate length. This one has a shockingly weak nose. Not unpleasant in the least, only impotent. That changes drastically on the palate which is superb and offers plenty of depth. The finish isn’t nearly as memorable and just serves as a fleeting extension of the palate, not really adding any wrinkles to the overall profile. So I’d say this is a great tasting whiskey, decent overall. At $66, it’s steep for an NAS. I know this boasted an age statement, long before I ever had the pleasure of trying it. So it’s hard to place this one age-wise, but I’m going to give this the benefit of the doubt because the profile was so exceptional and give this a 4/5.

NOSE Dilly, woody, caramel, coppery, peppery, herbal, lemony and a touch fruity with some notes of citrus peel and taffy sweetness. It’s a noticeably different profile than the old Rendezvous Rye, but that’s to be expected as sources and blends change and this latest iteration ain’t bad. PALATE Dilly, woody, caramel, coppery, peppery, herbal, lemony, touch fruity and leathery with a smidge of overripe veg that opens to some slight notes of minerally clay and vanilla taffy. Palate of the High West Rendezvous Rye 21C23 has an overall essence that’s a bit like a citra hop IPA whiskey… interesting. FINISH Long -> Copper, dilly herbal, spice and woody fade.

This is excellent. Most balanced and enjoyable rye Ive come across. It used to be a go to until High West inexplicably made this an allocated seasonal only and doubled the price. Seems like a blatant cash grab and again I find myself disappointed in High West for shifting from a bold independent trail blazer to yet another generic lazy self righteous grifter. When this bottles gone I doubt I will ever buy another so I extend to you a toast: cheers to the reminder of the glory of our past, the painful death of our present and the ashes of our future.

Uncorking 🍾 Let sit for about 5 minutes. 👀: Pale ocher and copper, rusty red and brown, legs stick to the walls; 👃: A lot of fresh minty leaves, a little dill, spearmint, not a lot of ethanol, I don't sense a lot of spice; 👅: More mint, intense creamy mouthfeel, Irish cream feeling, butterscotch at the end, complexities abound; 🏁: Not a lot of alcohol linger, tastes so good, cream does linger though which is refreshing and inviting, great dram!

Look = Pretty light in the look, so possibly could be aged longer. Overall not a bad color. Smell = Decent smell overall, doesn't necessarily overload the palate when inhaling. Taste = Best part of the Rye right here. Smooth as can be and sweeter than usual. Aftertaste = Also a good component here. Barely burns in the throat and mainly burns in the stomach which goes to show the quality of mixture.

First time enjoying a glass neat Nose - mint, spicy undertones, and typical rye smell Taste - tons going on here that is perfectly balanced. Rye, clove, oak, mint, chocolate and a long balanced spicy finish. Superb taste. Overall - nose lacks depth but the palate is leaps and bounds above recent rye whiskeys I have enjoyed. Comes with a hefty price tag of 70+ but it is justified.