Well, today I’m here to chat about somethin’ special, somethin’ that’d warm ya right up on a chilly winter’s night – A Midwinter Night’s Dram from High West Distillery. Now, let me tell ya, this here’s a fancy kind of whiskey, but I’m gonna keep it plain and simple for ya, so you’ll know if it’s worth buyin’ or not. So, sit tight, grab a blanket if it’s cold, and let’s get right into it!
First things first, A Midwinter Night’s Dram ain’t just any ol’ bottle of whiskey. This year, they released what they call Act 11, Scene 9 – sounds more like a theater play, don’t it? That’s how they do it. Each year they release a new “act” and “scene,” kinda like addin’ chapters to a big ol’ book. This year they put out over 189,000 bottles, so they sure weren’t skimpin’ on supply! Compared to last year’s Act 10, which had about 115,000 bottles, they’ve made quite a few more. I reckon they’re just gettin’ more folks interested, ‘cause it’s a hit for those who know their whiskey.
Now, what’s in the bottle? Well, let me break it down. High West is real proud of this one, and they should be – it’s a blend of straight rye whiskeys, which they age up right nice. They take rye whiskey, which is already strong and spicy, and finish it up in port and French oak barrels. This fancy bit of aging in port barrels adds a sweet and fruity layer, kinda like adding a spoonful of jam to your morning toast. The rye itself? They say it’s made up of 95% rye and 5% barley malt, comin’ from MGP Ingredients, Inc. Some of the whiskey they blend in is from their own stash, aged between four and seven years. So ya got some younger and some older whiskey in the mix, which makes it nice and complex.
How’s it taste? Alright, if you take a sip, the first thing you’ll feel is that rye kickin’ in. Rye’s always got that peppery, spicy taste that gets ya right on the tongue. But don’t worry, it’s not too rough – thanks to those port barrels, it’s got a smoother, rounder taste with a bit of sweetness too. Some folks say they taste dried fruit, like plums or cherries, and I reckon they’re right. There’s also a hint of vanilla and maybe a touch of cinnamon, which makes it feel kinda like a holiday drink.
And let’s talk about the bottlin’. They don’t do no chill-filtering, so you’re gettin’ all the full flavors and oils left in the bottle. None of that stripped-out taste you get with some others. It’s like they just took the whiskey outta the barrel and put it straight in the bottle – real genuine, I’d say. And I gotta admit, that bottle design is right nice, too. It’s got this old-timey label that looks real classy on the shelf.
- Who’s this whiskey for? Well, if you’re new to whiskey, it might be a bit strong at first. But for folks who like bold flavors and somethin’ with character, this one’s right up your alley. The spiciness from the rye mixed with the sweetness from the port barrels makes it unique. It’s a sippin’ whiskey, meant for takin’ it slow on a quiet night. If you’re thinkin’ of givin’ it as a gift, it’s a good pick for whiskey lovers who want somethin’ special.
- How to drink it? Well, that’s up to ya, but I’d say sip it neat to get the full flavor, or with just a drop of water if you wanna open up the flavors a bit. Some folks like it over ice, but that’s all personal. Just don’t mix it with cola or anything like that – too fancy for that kind of drinkin’!
- Where can you buy it? This one’s limited, so if you find it at your local store, grab it quick. Or check online, but be ready to pay a little more – it’s popular, so it ain’t cheap.
All in all, A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 11 is a real fine whiskey, good for folks who appreciate a warm, spicy sippin’ drink. It’s got enough layers to keep ya interested with every sip, and that port finish adds just the right sweetness without makin’ it too soft. If ya find yourself out by the fire on a cold night, this is the drink to have by your side.
So there ya have it. Hope this here review gives ya a good idea of what to expect. Ain’t nothing fancy about how I say it, but I reckon that’s all ya need to know. Cheers to a good drink on a midwinter night!
Tags：[High West, A Midwinter Night’s Dram, Act 11 Scene 9, whiskey review, port barrel finish, rye whiskey]
