Review: High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey
August 1st, 2008High West Rendezvous Rye, Batch No. 10, 46%, $45
A blend of two rye whiskies, a 6 year old made from 95% rye and a 16 year old made from 80% rye. These are very high percentages of rye, even for a straight rye whisky which only needs to contain 51% rye to meet the definition. It was very clever to marry the vibrancy of a younger whiskey with the depth of a mature whisky. Thanks to the high rye content, this whisky is very spicy, with cinnamon, crisp mint and fennel. Underlying sweet notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla, macaroon, cocoa, and candied fruit provide a calming effect and enhance the whiskey’s complexity. But, in the end, the rye is the victor, emerging with a vengeance and giving the whisky a bold, warming spice finish. Great price, compared to other premium rye whiskeys.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 95
August 1st, 2008 at 8:29 am
WHOA! A new rye brand emerges during a severe rye drought! Who makes this (distillery, if you know it), and where can I get some? I find it extremely gratifying that rye whiskey has been pulled back from the brink of extinction at the eleventh hour. Most of the few traditional brands left were OK but not stellar, and now we are beginning to experience the potential that rye whiskey exhibited more than a century ago, during it’s heyday.
Thanks for the review. It’s going to be a great Friday!
August 1st, 2008 at 8:37 am
P.S. This price shows how other distillers are taking advantage of the market by charging exorbitant prices well above a reasonable profit margin. Nothing wrong with that (I guess), but it shows that money can still be made in this business without pandering to the wealthy or gouging the rest of us.
Thanks, High West, whoever you are!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
High West is the ditillery, and it appears that it’s in Utah. So far, I’ve only seen it located out West. It sounds very delicious, and I too would like to get a bottle!! I also like the attractive price of it!!
August 1st, 2008 at 11:01 am
Sam, High West is a distillery in Park City, Utah. They have no whiskey of their own yet. In the interim they sourced some other whiskey to bottle and sell. David Perkins, the proprietor, tells me that he worked with Jim Rutledge from Four Roses to source the casks. That’s all I know.
I know that K&L in San Francisco sells the whiskey. I imagine they ship, too.
August 1st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
John: thanks for the very kind review. I am very glad you liked our blend. As far as availability, two mail order retailers carry Rendezvous: K&L and Hi Time Wines. Or better yet please come visit us in Utah where we can now sell you a bottle directly at our distillery. We just changed the law in Utah yesterday! Best regards, David
August 1st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
To Sam K’s point: You are dead on there, an honest whiskey (no chill filtering, no caramel color, nice ABV) at an honest price.
As a barman, I cannot resist the urge to mix a few drinks with new spirits in this ‘reasonable’ price range. I can say quite happily that the Rendevous holds quite firm in cocktails when the use of sugar is restrained. A beautiful bottle.
August 1st, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Because of their lack of presence in many markets (including here in PA), it would seem that Four Roses (with some lip smackin’ whiskeys in their portfolio) was the perfect choice as the initial source for High West Rendezvous. Can’t wait to taste some! Congratulations, David!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Sam, I’m not saying that the whiskeys came from Four Roses, but only that Jim Rutledge helped to source the casks. Let’s just leave it at that.
And I will say that, after talking with David, I expect High West to be a “player” for quite some time. Indefinetely, actually. Great news for everyone.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
[…] High West Rendezvous Rye, Batch No. 10 ~ $45 MA Rating: 95 […]
November 16th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
This whiskey is one of the things that makes me really glad to be in Utah. It’s incredibly good. I hope that the whiskey they’re currently distilling will be as good.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Cheryl, time will tell. In the interim, I know for a fact that they have stocks of whiskey to last for quite a while.