High West A Midwinter’s Night Dram Act 7 Review
In-Depth Review
High West is Utah’s most famous distillery, choosing to operate in a historically dry state with a host of restrictions and hurdles. But the whisky they have been churning out has been great – winning them fans the world over. I had the chance to spend time at the distillery and would recommend anyone visiting Park City to swing by and take a tour and a meal. The tour is fantastic and features the only legal tasting room in the entire state! The facility also features a great restaurant with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
For High West their A Midwinter’s Night Dram is a halo product, one that many people seek out during its annual release. The name plays off of the Shakespearean drama “A Midsummer’s Dream” and each release is numbered in both Acts and Scenes. This bottle is Act 7 Scene 5. It blends straight Rye whiskies that are both sourced from MGP and distilled in-house. This blend is that finished in Fresh Oak barrels that previously held port. The combination of rye and wine influence leads to a unique whisky that bucks the traditional idea of what Rye whiskey should taste like.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 98.6
Cask: Blend of Straight Rye whiskies finished in French Port Oak barrels
MSRP: $100
Distillery Name: High West
Review Date: 11/17/20
Color: Dark Redwood
Nose: The nose begins with cooked fruits and baking spices. It’s a relatively soft nose, and isn’t explosive at first whiff. The port influence is present here, creating bold fruit notes that masks the typical rye spiciness. The port influence seems to have mellowed the very high rye content here. It presents as a very enticing nose.
Palate: Now this is a wild ride. First sip of Midwinter’s Night Dram is like being transported back in time to being a kid during the holidays. Spiced Christmas cake, fresh baked gingerbread, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon all make their presence known. The port influence comes next, draping the spices in stewed fruits and strong sweet flavors. The wine can be felt on the front of the tongue while the rye spiciness finally comes through at the back of the palate and slowly takes you to the finish. This whiskey does a good job of coating the entire mouth making for a very rich experience.
Finish: Medium to long finish. The end features leathery and oak, with the rye spice lingering behind. This whiskey lets you down slowly and gently after the wild ride of the palate. You don’t get any of the earth tones that many ryes present on the finish which is likely due to the wine finishing.
Final Thoughts: When I had my first High West Midwinter’s Night Dram it was unlike anything I had tried before. Oily, rich, and bursting with interesting flavors - Christmas in a glass. Act 7 continues the tradition with a fascinating marriage of port barrels and straight rye whiskies that take you on a wild ride through flavors and memories. The perfect winter whiskey that will keep you warm on those chilly nights without lighting your throat on fire.
