High West private tasting

@RobertH, You're a lucky man.

Any hints of what's to come from High West?

Who knew that one of the best whiskey distillers is located in the "dry" state of Utah..lol

it sounds like a lot of fun...any samples from new bottlings still to be released?

@RobertH, do you know those guys well enough to get them to do a "Followers of High West" posting on Connosr? That would be fun.

@whiskyshiba What was really amazing is when he went to the Alcohol board to petition for a distillers license. The board had to have someone look up if it was even legal and I'm sure much to their chagrin, it was. First licensed distiller since the 1800's.

Further we had come to find that it was in fact, Utah, that gave the passing vote to repeal prohibition. (No doubt to gain some favor somewhere else, but the effect was the same)

So if you can believe I am saying it... Yay for Utah. lol

@lucadanna1985 We had a tasting of the entire released line, but he was quite open about what to expect and where things were coming from in the near future. An interesting note is that the next years version of Rendezvous Rye will be aged here in Utah. I can only think it will affect the flavor a touch, but who knows how much.

I am "worming " my way into their good graces so I can get a sample of the "Single Malt" they are making. It's a little over 2 years now, but I am hoping to get a sample as it ages. More on that to come.

@Victor That's not a bad idea Victor, I will talk to Jenny, the red haired Irish lass they employ to push their spirit. I'm a Scott, she's Irish and we both love an American whisky. lol

@RobertH, What's your favorite whiskey from High West? Their vodkas are pretty good. I have almost everything from High West, but have yet to crack open my one and only bottle of their 21YR Batch #1. Have any of you fine gents try their 21YR?

@whiskyshiba, I did try the High West 21 yo Rye at the whisky dinner I reviewed in March, 2011, under "All High West Reviews". I was most impressed by the nose of the 21 yo at the time, which I found to be very nuanced, complex, and delicious. It was also quite smooth on the palate, which is what they advertise that they are going for with that whiskey by using reused barrels for the long aging. It was quite lovely, although almost understated on the palate compared to young robust rye whiskeys. I would like to hear your observations when you sample your bottle.

@whiskyshiba The 21 year old is everything they say it is. Really a treat. If I recall correctly, there were only about 500 bottles made and the casks were less that 1/5th full when the lot was purchased.

There is not one I don't like but if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the Rendezvous Rye. Just the right amount of mint, mouth, and finish.

@RobertH, @Victor, Thank you. My fave of late is their Rendezvous as well. As a early Father's Day gift to myself, I'll give the 21YR a whirl.

@whiskyshiba Exert yourself not to drink it all. It can be a challenge not to do so. :)