Heritage
Act 8, Scene 1 of High West’s celebrated Midwinter Night’s Dram captures the essence of winter warmth in a glass. This limited-release blend starts with High West’s Rendezvous Rye—a mix of straight rye whiskeys—and is then finished in a combination of Ruby and Tawny port barrels. The result is a whiskey that’s both spice-laden and elegantly sweet, with layers that evolve as it opens in the glass. While each “Scene” represents a separate bottling run within the same Act, the overall flavor profile remains consistent, ensuring a reliable experience of winter indulgence.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with rich aromas of licorice, fennel, honey, and white sugar, layered over darker fruits like cherry compote, ripe pear, and dried plums. The influence of port casks is immediate but well-integrated, bringing red berry sweetness and a touch of herbal depth. On the palate, it’s vibrant and plush, with flavors of candied cherry, spiced pear, cinnamon stick, clove, and a gentle vanilla creaminess. The rye character remains assertive but refined, offering balance and structure. The finish is medium in length, slightly dry, and gently warming, leaving behind notes of roasted oak, stewed fruit, and a soft wisp of baking spice.
Food Pairings
This whiskey pairs beautifully with hearty, flavor-rich dishes that highlight its spicy and fruity core. Roasted duck with cherry glaze, venison stew, or pork loin with spiced apple chutney are perfect matches. For cheese, go with aged Gouda or blue cheese to accentuate its sweet and savory complexity. On the dessert side, try gingerbread, pecan pie, or dark chocolate truffles with dried cherries to mirror its port-driven richness and spice.
Craftsmanship
High West Distillery, located in Park City, Utah, is known for its pioneering work in blending sourced and in-house whiskeys. A Midwinter Night’s Dram is its most anticipated annual release, designed to evoke the feeling of winter nights—festive, warming, and complex. Each batch, labeled by Act and Scene, continues the tradition of marrying high-rye whiskey with port barrel finishing to deliver a whiskey as poetic and layered as its Shakespearean namesake.
