Well now, I reckon I gotta talk about this here “A Midwinter Night’s Dram” whiskey that folks been talkin’ about. Now don’t get me wrong, I ain’t no fancy expert on the stuff, but I’ve tried it a few times and got me some thoughts. This one’s a rye whiskey, and lemme tell ya, it’s got a good strong kick to it. But don’t let that scare ya off, ’cause once ya get used to it, it’s mighty fine.
First off, this whiskey comes from High West Distillery. They’ve been at it for a while now, and they sure know what they’re doin’. “A Midwinter Night’s Dram” is one of them special release kinds of whiskeys that comes out in the cold months, so it’s perfect for sittin’ by the fire on them chilly nights. They only release so many bottles, so if ya see it on the shelf, ya better grab it quick ‘fore it’s gone.
Now this here bottle’s got something special about it. The rye whiskey they use in it has been aged for about four to seven years. They mix it with some port barrel-aged whiskey, which gives it a kinda fruity twist. I’m talkin’ ’bout them ruby and tawny port barrels from over in Portugal. Don’t ask me how they do it, but it sure brings out a rich, deep flavor that’s different from any ol’ whiskey you might have tried before.
The way they make this thing, they call it “Act” and “Scene,” like it’s a play or somethin’. I reckon it’s just a fancy way of sayin’ which year and batch it came from. The latest one I tried was Act 11, Scene 9, and let me tell ya, that one’s a real treat. It’s got some nice bright red fruit flavors that come from them port barrels, and it’s smoother than some of them other rye whiskeys I’ve had. Every year they come out with a new Act, so you might get a different experience each time you try it.
When ya pour it out, you’ll notice a nice amber color, real warm lookin’. Now when you first smell it, it’s a little spicy, but not too much. It’s got a kind of sweet, fruity smell to it, like berries or cherries, which I reckon comes from that port finishin’. As for the taste, well, it’s got that rye spiciness, but it’s balanced out by that smooth sweetness from the port barrels. It’s like a nice little dance on your tongue. And once ya swallow, there’s a warm, smooth aftertaste that sticks around for a while, just makin’ ya wanna take another sip.
I’ll be honest with ya, it ain’t the cheapest bottle on the shelf, but it’s worth it if you’re lookin’ to try somethin’ different. Plus, it makes a real good gift for someone who appreciates good whiskey. Some folks like to collect these bottles, ’cause they only come out once a year, and I reckon that makes ’em a little special. If you ever get the chance to try it, I’d say go ahead and give it a shot. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself goin’ back for more!
Now, I don’t know much ’bout all them technical terms like the mash bill and how they filter it, but I do know what tastes good. And this “A Midwinter Night’s Dram” sure does taste good. Whether you’re sippin’ it neat or with a little water, it’s a fine drink to enjoy on a cold winter’s night. It’s like a cozy blanket in a glass, and who doesn’t need that when the snow’s fallin’ and the fire’s cracklin’?
So, if you’re thinkin’ ’bout gettin’ yourself a bottle of this here whiskey, don’t wait too long. It’s a limited release, and like I said, once it’s gone, it’s gone. And trust me, you won’t regret tryin’ it. It’s got everything you want in a good whiskey—spice, sweetness, and a little bit of mystery. So, go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy it with friends or just by yourself. Either way, it’s sure to make the night a little bit warmer.
Tags:[High West, A Midwinter Night’s Dram, Rye Whiskey, Whiskey Review, Port Finished Whiskey, Act 11 Scene 9, Winter Whiskey, Limited Edition Whiskey, Holiday Whiskey, Sipping Whiskey]