High West Rendezvous Rye

High West Rendezvous Rye, NAS, 46%

This is the flagship of the core range product from High West Distillery. The strange thing is that there is no official info on the product pages showcasing any difference between the High West Rendezvous Rye and their Double Rye, but the price is doubled. It is a mystery! Snooping around the internet, and having tasted the two products side by side I am 100% convinced the Rendezvous Rye is way older that the Double Rye. Reports online indicate that the Double Rye consists of rye that is 2 to 7-8 YO, while the Rendezvous Rye consists of component ryes that are in the range of 5 to 15 YO.

The mash bill is the same as for the Double Rye, a blend of rye from MGP and from High West Distillery:

• MGP: 95% rye, 5% malted barley

• HWD: 80% rye, 20% malted rye

In Norway you can get your hands on a bottle of High West Rendezvous Rye at NOK 889 (19560601), and in the US it will set you back around USD 75.

Nose: Exquisite chocolate confectionery layered with dried orange, apricot, and a sumptuous core of raspberry jam. Beneath it all notes of freshly baked, rich honey cake.

Taste: Full bodied. A burst of black and white pepper upfront gives way to grated milk chocolate, earthy vanilla, and textured cacao nibs.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The pepper mellows, letting the confectionery symphony continue. Red berry jam, dried ginger, and tropical fruits join in, elevating the sweetness with a vibrant, juicy complexity.

Comment: OMG! Rye heaven in decadent form.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas