High West Midwinter Nights Dram (Act 10 – Scene 2)

Try at a bar first! (Unless you are a fan of MWND)

DISTILLERY	High West
REGION	Park City, Utah
AGE	NAS
STRENGTH	49.3 % ABV (98.6 Proof)
MASHBILL	A blend of two ryes which are as follows: 1 – 80% Rye, 20% Malted Barley (High West Distillery) 2 – 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (MGP Distillery)
MSRP	$125 – 150

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GLANCE

Clear and deep intensity. Has a freshly polished mahogany wood color

NOSE

I don’t get rye spice right away but some vanilla and brown sugars. After letting it breathe more, here comes the nose I was expecting. Rich dark cherries, raisins and stewed dark fruits as the rye spice intermingles. There are some strawberries as well but the nose feel lights at times

PALATE

A high medium sweetness and watery to mouth filling texture. Rye spice enters initially but is light. Light notes of dark fruits enter in the beginning of the palate. Towards the medium and back I get molasses, maple syrup, cherry fig, plum and butter pecan. At times I could pick up on rye bread and toffee. The port influence shows through while the rye spice weaves in and out. Medium flavor intensity overall and medium viscosity. Felt thin at time. Tastes balanced overall

FINISH

Medium with some complexity. Here I get reminiscent of what was noted on palate. Molasses, plum and cherry. I could at time pick up on coffee.

CLOSING REMARKS

A very nice pour but this bottle is nowhere worth what its going for on secondary. Even the retail price of $125 to $150 is high. It lacks the punch of flavors I was expecting and felt thin one too many times throughout. At 49.3%, its almost at 100 proof which should get the job done to deliver the flavors in their entirety. I have never tried the Midwinter Night Dram of previous years, so I don’t have a perspective of what this dram can deliver. Nevertheless this pour didn’t live up to my expectations. I will wait patiently for next year’s batch to redeem itself. Cheers!

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