There are a few bottles that when I started this Bourbon journey that I often read about and hoped that one day I would have a chance to try and own. Many of those bottles still elude me to this day, however, a few weeks ago I came across this bottle sitting on the shelf and was excited beyond belief at being able to purchase it at MSRP. Today’s review comes from the High West Distillery and is their 2025 release of High West Bourye®.

Bottle Information

From the bottle label website: Legend has it, the only way to catch a glimpse of the cunning and elusive jackalope is to enjoy a glass of a truly incredible whiskey. That’s why we made Bourye®, a cross between bourbon whiskey and rye whiskey (Bourbon + Rye = Bourye) that—like the jackalope itself—is unique, mysterious, and gone in a flash. All whiskeys in this carefully crafted, limited-release blend are a minimum of ten years old. Overflowing with rich flavors of orange crème anglaise drizzled over dark chocolate ginger cake, with notes of espresso on the finish, Bourye® is sure to attract even the most discerning of jackalopes.

All whiskeys in this carefully crafted blend are a minimum of 10 years old and sourced from multiple distilleries. See highwest.com for technical details and sourcing, that’s not a secret. However, the proportions are! Bourye® is best enjoyed around a campfire while looking at the Milky Way.

• Distiller: Bottled by High West Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 92
• Age: 10
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $80
• 2025 National Average: $125
• Official Website

As I mentioned above, I have never had the pleasure of seeing one of these bottles in the NoCo area, until 2025. The funny thing is, now I walk into most of the stores in my area, and they all have several of these bottles sitting on the shelf. I am not sure if this is do to the bourbon boom being over, or if High West produced a larger batch this year; either way, I am still very excited. Overall, this was an amazing balanced bourye with your typical bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel mixed with a touch of rye spices and red licorice. All I can say is this was well worth the wait, however, I do wish this was released at a bit higher proof, as the finish is lackluster. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Banana Bread, Vanilla, Red Licorice, Caramel, Rye Spice, and Oak
• Palate: Caramel, Vanilla, Rye Spice, Oak, and Red Vines Licorice
• Finish: Short to Medium with Notes of Sweet Caramel and Rye Spice
• My Rating: Drink It! (This was a damn fine Bourye… I only wish the proof/finish was a bit longer…)

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®