High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey

Product of: United States

See more Rye whiskey 90 proof / 45% to 49% alc./vol.

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This was the first commercial offering from High West Distillery and takes its name from the 19th century summer trading gatherings (or Rendezvous) of mountain men that took place in Utah. Naturally whiskey was a popular item to be traded.

Rendezvous Rye is a blend of two straight rye whiskies: a 16-year-old straight rye with a mashbill of 80 per cent rye, 10 per cent corn and 10 per cent barley malt; and a relatively young 6-year-old straight rye with a mashbill containing 95 per cent rye and 5 per cent barley malt. The percentage of rye in this blend is much higher than the 51 per cent required and usual for a U.S. straight rye whiskey.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 30/08/2011

Appearance:

Clear, burnished copper with golden highlights.

Aroma:

Exuberant floral spicy nose with cinnamon, fennel, peppermint, fudge and Satsuma orange zest.

Taste:

The huge, spicy (hot cinnamon) tamed with smoothing caramel and molasses and delicately flavoured with candied fruit, fresh peaches, almonds and bitter chocolate.

Aftertaste:

Spicy, burning plastic (in a good way) finish that holds much of the palate's flavour.