Whiskey Wednesday

I first heard of High West Whiskeys on a ski trip to Park City, Utah when I visited the High West Saloon. The world's only ski-in gastro distillery; a fun restaurant/distillery with delicious and unique food & cocktails. (When I get a chance, I'll have to look for some photos that I took of the saloon.) The distillery was started by a former biochemist and his wife in 2006.  They found that Park City, Utah was the perfect place that incorporated their love of the Old West and whiskey.

I will sample four of their whiskeys in the coming weeks, starting with Rendezvous Rye today. I first tried Rendezvous at the saloon, but it was in a Manhattan, (which was delicious by the way). I had never tried it neat, until now. 

So my adventure with High West whiskeys continued in Death Valley. As Old West as it gets and on a perfect 70 degree day, Rendezvous tasted sweet to start, with a spicy middle and a smoother finish than I expected. Definitely a keeper. Their bottle's front label artwork & back label stories make the whiskeys even more fun and enjoyable.

Back Label Story

Our inaugural whiskey commemorates the first recorded whiskey-fest out West. From 1825 to 1840, the “rendezvous” was the annual summer gathering of mountain men to exchange pelts for supplies. Alcohol was not one of the “supplies” at the first rendezvous. This oversight was quickly corrected with a generous supply of whiskey at the second rendezvous in Utah’s Cache Valley (and all subsequent rendezvous!). In this tradition of importing whiskey from back East, we craft Rendezvous Rye from straight rye whiskeys with high rye mashbills. A higher proportion of unmalted rye gives Rendezvous a unique flavor profile. Rendezvous Rye is not chill filtered, a cosmetic step used to remove the natural oils that cause a haze when whiskey gets cold. This also removes flavor, texture, and the lingering finish we really enjoy. If you see a harmless “haze” in Rendezvous Rye, just swirl the bottle and it will go away.

Notes from Master of Malt:

Nose: Rustic notes of oak and fruit, a little menthol. Slightly grassy, followed by sweeter notes of toffee and classic vanilla.

Palate: Oak spices, pepper and even some chillies. Needles to say, it's rather spicy. Deep inside you'll find a little treasure cove of sweetness, but then it's back to the savoury notes from the nose.

Finish: The heat continues from the palate (how could it not?) with fresh oak and tea leaves.

Overall: A surprising rye whiskey, unique and very enjoyable.

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Dress: Liz Claiborne

Stockings: Transparenze

Heels: Louboutin Kate

Lingerie: Honey Birdette Bronnie Collection