Known to many as the quintessential seasonal, winter, Holiday, or Christmas rye whiskey, for the last three year’s I have been fortunate enough to be able to acquire this limited-release bottle. Unfortunately, over these past three years, the price of this bottle has continued to increase, the availability continues to be inconsistent, and may I venture to state that the quality is not what I remember this release being. Today’s review comes from the High West Distillery and this is the annual holiday release of A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 12 Scene 6.

Bottle Information

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.

• Distiller: Bottled by High West Distilling
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 98.6
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $149
• 2024 National Average: $199
• Official Website

I have seen four bottles in NoCo of this year’s release in four different stores this year ranging in price from $159 to $199. I believe one of those bottles is still available as of this review being released, and who knows, there might be more bottles to be placed out as the holidays come closer. Overall, this is still a great pour, especially as a dessert bourbon, but not an excellent pour this year. However, the cost-to-taste ratio this year probably is pushing the envelope and might not be worth purchasing moving forward… sadly. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Port… that Transitions into Plum, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Dark Red Fruits, Oak, and Rye Spice
• Palate: Unfortunately a Bit Simplistic with Notes of Plum, Rye Spice, and Vanilla
• Finish: Medium with Sweet Notes of Plum, Vanilla, and Dominant Rye Spice
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (Still a great pour especially as a dessert bourbon, but not an excellent pour this year.)

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™