High West Rendezvous Rye (99 Pts IWSC 2020) 75cl
ABV: 46% | Origin: USA

High West Rendezvous Rye is an award-winning blend of straight rye whiskies, recognized for its bold and complex character. It offers rich notes of dried fruit, cinnamon, and caramel, balanced by hints of vanilla, peppery spice, and toasted oak. The finish is long and warming, with a perfect harmony of sweetness and rye spice.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Bold rye spice, cinnamon stick, clove, mint, fresh dill, caramel, vanilla, and subtle pine notes
• Palate: Rich and complex with rye bread, black pepper, candied orange peel, nutmeg, honey, vanilla, and dark chocolate
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering rye spiciness, dried herbs, oak tannins, and a touch of candied fruit

Production Details

• Distillation method: Blend of straight rye whiskeys from multiple sources
• Cask type(s):
  • New, charred American oak barrels (for aging component whiskeys)
  • Various age statements blended for optimal flavor profile
• Special processes:
  • Signature blend of older rye whiskeys from different distilleries
  • Non-chill filtered for maximum flavor retention
  • Masterful blending to achieve award-winning harmony of flavors

Perfect For

• Rye whiskey enthusiasts seeking exceptional quality
• Admirers of craft blending techniques
• Collectors of award-winning American whiskeys
• Those who appreciate bold, spicy rye character
• Cocktail aficionados crafting premium Manhattan or Sazerac cocktails

Expert Notes

• Awarded an exceptional 99 points at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition
• Demonstrates High West's masterful blending philosophy
• Showcases how thoughtful sourcing and blending can create a whiskey greater than the sum of its parts
• Sets a benchmark for premium American rye whiskey

Customer Reviews

• "The perfect balance of bold rye spice and refined complexity." – Jennifer R. ★★★★★
• "Exemplifies everything great about American rye whiskey." – Michael S. ★★★★★
• "Worth every penny for serious rye enthusiasts." – David L. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• High West was Utah's first legal distillery since 1870
• "Rendezvous" references the historic mountain man gatherings in the Rocky Mountains
• Started as a blend of 6-year and 16-year ryes, though specific components have evolved
• High West's transparent approach to sourced whiskey helped pioneer the craft blending movement

Serving Suggestions

• Excellent sipped neat or with a few drops of water to open up the complex flavors
• Makes an exceptional Manhattan or Sazerac cocktail
• Try in a Boulevardier for a rye-forward take on this classic
• Pair with dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or spiced desserts

Distillery

• High West Distillery, founded in 2006 by biochemist David Perkins, began as a small operation in Park City, Utah, and has grown to become an award-winning whiskey producer. While initially focused on sourcing and blending outstanding whiskeys from established distilleries, High West has developed its own distilling program while maintaining their reputation for exceptional blending. Rendezvous Rye exemplifies their philosophy of creating distinctive, complex whiskeys through the art of careful selection and masterful blending, earning them recognition as pioneers in the American craft whiskey renaissance.