High West Double Rye! Review

High West Whiskey
Double Rye!
A blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys
Finished in an Armagnac Barrel

High West Double Rye! is two, yes, two, ryes in one! According to High West “Double Rye! is a blend of two different rye whiskeys (aged 2-7 years). It is also crafted to be twice as spicy (think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) than your average rye whiskey.” “The younger rye (sourced by High West) is produced on a column still and tastes of cinnamon, clove, anise, eucalyptus buttons, and evergreen “gin-like” flavors. The older rye (distilled by High West) made using a pot still adds a richer, bolder character and just enough caramel sweetness and woody vanilla richness to calm the “bite” of the younger rye. The resulting combination is bold, balanced, complex and perfect for mixing.”

The Mash Bills

Mash bills of the two component ryes:
95% rye, 5% barley malt from MGP
80% Rye, 20% Malted Rye from High West Distillery

This particular rye goes a step further and was finished in Armagnac barrels for 1 year and 8 months. High West Double Rye! Finished in Armagnac Barrels is a limited release that I picked up at Corkdorks in Nashville, TN. It comes in at a higher proof (51.1% ABV) than the standard release which is 46% ABV. It is non-chill filtered. My bottle is number 422, which confused me, but Armagnac barrels are about 105.6 gallons, so that makes sense.

Tasting Notes

Let’s taste it:

🛌 Rested for 20 minutes in a Glencairn

👉Nose: Rye spices, citrus, burnt caramel, brown sugar and Armagnac; mild alcohol burn
👉Taste: Sweet caramel, citrus, rye spices
👉Finish: The same flavors continue into the finish with Armagnac becoming more evident. There’s a hint of char, with developing dryness. Moderately long finish.

Summary

The folks at High West Distillery have succeeded in their quest. High West Double Rye! is one spicy rye! The flavors of the Armagnac are the perfect compliment to this spicy citrusy rye. I can definitely tell that it has had a long time in the finishing barrel. The Armagnac is noticeable in the nose and finish, although I wish I could have tasted this blind to see if I would have actually identified it. I am really enjoying this one! Cheers!🥃

Are you interested in learning about another finished rye? Check out our review of the Sagamore Spirit Manhattan Finished Rye.

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