As I mentioned in last weeks post, The High West Distillery has been a favorite of mine for quite a while. Most recently, I was strolling through one of the local stores in NoCo and came across two bottles from High West that I had yet to try. Last weeks review was of a delicious bottle of High West Whiskey Rendezvous Rye and tonight, I am reviewing High West Whiskey High Country Single Malt.

From the High West Distillery Website: As admirers (and imbibers) of the famed single malt whiskies of Scotland, we wanted to create a uniquely crafted version of an American single malt. To provide the robust, flavor-forward profile more typical of American whiskeys and of our High West style, High Country™ American Single Malt is distilled “on-the-grain.” This means that we leave the grain in during fermentation and distillation, instead of filtering it out. In the tradition of American and Scottish whiskey making, we use both freshly charred and second-use oak barrels during the maturation stage. These techniques produce a whiskey that shows its distinctive and delicious American qualities with a heavier mouthfeel, roasted malt character, and balanced complexity. High Country™ American Single Malt is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water while appreciating a magnificent western vista.

*Reader beware, this, unfortunately, was not a pleasant whiskey for me, however, do not let this discourage you from trying this whiskey as well; but I would recommend you try it at a bar first.

As listed on the High West Distillery website, this bottle is considered a limited release. Unlike last week’s review, this is the only bottle of High West Whiskey High Country Single Malt we have seen in NoCo over the past year. Nonetheless, that is alright with me, as this will not be a bottle I return to. Unfortunately, I have learned along this journey there will sometimes be bottles of bourbon, whisk(e)y, and scotch that I just do not care for; and this was one of those times. Overpowered by notes of leather and cereal grains, I tried to come back to this whiskey on three separate occasions, however, each tasting did not change my opinion. With that said, let’s still get our taste on!

• Nose: Grain and Leather forward with hints of Malt, Honey, Grass, and Very Subtle Fruit (Maybe Strawberry)
• Palate: Leather, Leather, Leather with a bit of Cereal Grain, Cinnamon, and Unknown Funk
• Finish: Medium with lasting notes of cereal grains and leather
• 2022 MSRP: $79
• 2022 National Average: $99
• My Rating: Donate it!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman