High West Rendezvous Rye, Part II
August 3rd, 2008I know that some of you might already know about this fabulous whiskey, so I’ll tell you a few more things that you might not know. David Perkins of High West has two more whiskeys slated for release, which he tells me should be in about two months (pending the usual govt. approvals). He sent me samples along with the Rendezvous Rye.
The first one is a 16 year old straight rye, made from an 80% rye mash bill. I have to tell you. This is one of the most intensely ryed, rye whiskeys I have ever tasted. I think it ate through the top layer of enamel on my teeth!
The second one is a 21 year old rye whiskey with a 53% rye mashbill. It was aged in once-used barrels, not virgin oak. I like the nose on this one, but the oak’s influence big on the palate, even with the once-used barrels.
According to David, both will be bottled at 92 proof and under the “Rocky Mountain Rye Reserve” label. Of the three (the original and these two), I still like the flagship Rendezvous Rye the best.
And finally, for all of you who wonder where he’s sourcing these whiskeys, I can’t tell you. (Sorry.) I will say this, though. Many people who have theorized where these whiskeys have come from (including some well-known whiskey “experts”) have got it wrong. I’ll leave it at that.
