Last week I reviewed the 2022 release of A Midwinter Night’s Dram and I ended the review with the statement “I am not sure I would pay the price for another bottle which keeps increasing every year.” Well, here we are a week later and as you have probably guessed by now, over the weekend I did find this year’s release, purchased it, and I am very glad I did! Today’s review comes from the High West Distillery and is the 2023 release of A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 11 Scene 9.

From the bottle label: Like the works of our favorite playwright, William Shakespeare, a glass of A Midwinter Night’s Dram is made to be savored, and over all too quickly. This limited-release whiskey us a sumptuous marriage of rye whiskeys finished in Port barrels. The rye forms a beautiful base of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon while the port barrels provide noes of plum, dried fruit, and spice. Like a proper holiday plum pudding, it’s brimming with lovely mulling spices, dried fruits, and creme anglaise. Sip it slowly through the coldest night.

Unlike last year, we did see this bottle, Act 11 Scene 9, in several stores across NoCo. All bottles were priced above MSRP with the range being between $199 and $300. Yes, normally I do not, but on this bottle, I unfortunately did pay above MSRP; chock it up to FOMO. Overall, this bottle was an excellent pour, better than the 2022 release, actually much better in my opinion! Unlike the overpowering dill presence in the 2022 release, I found the 2023 release to be dominated by a dried fruitiness, brown sugar, those rye and port influences that should be expected and a beautifully long Colorado winter hug finish! To correct last week’s statement, if future releases stay at an MSRP of $150, this bottle is worth its price in gold. If this is your flavor profile, go buy a bottle, if the price is a bit too high, I understand that too and please go give it a try at your local whiskey bar. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Dried Dark Fruits (Fig/Plum/Raisin), Rye Spice, Dill, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, and Definite Port Barrel Influence
• Palate: Rye Spice, Plum, Raisin, Vanilla, Buttercream, and Oak
• Finish: Beautifully Long Colorado Winter Hug! Lasting Notes of Rye Spice, Plum, and Port
• 2023 MSRP: $150
• 2023 National Average: $200
• Proof: 98.6
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save It! (Better than the 2022 release… much better in my opinion!)

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