Distillery: MGP and an Undisclosed Kentucky Bourbon.
Proof: 104.8
Age: NAS but fished in 1 year and 4 months in Oloroso Barrels
Utah Price: 69.99
Product Availability: Distillery Only
High West’s Distillery Select series showcases unique expressions that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of the renowned Utah-based distillery. Their latest release, a Blend of Straight Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Barrels, is a complex and thoughtfully crafted whiskey with a rich history and deep ties to its mountain home.
About the Whiskey and High West Distillery
High West Distillery, founded in 2006 in Park City, Utah, has quickly made a name for itself as a pioneer in the American whiskey scene. Known for sourcing and blending high-quality spirits and for creating unique barrel finishes, High West has earned its reputation as a premium craft distiller. Each of their releases carries a distinctive touch, often combining elements of tradition with modern experimental finishes.
This Distillery Select: Blend of Straight Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Barrels is part of that innovation. The use of Oloroso barrels introduces a layer of complexity to the whiskey, infusing it with rich, fruity, and nutty characteristics typical of sherry-finished spirits. The dark brown hue of this whiskey hints at the influence of the Oloroso barrels, a common trait in sherry-finished spirits that adds to the visual allure of the pour.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, this whiskey opens with a prominent blend of cherry and oak, signaling both the fruit-forward nature and the barrel influence from the sherry finish. These bold notes give way to subtler, intriguing scents of pear and orange, adding a bright, fruity complexity. The aroma rounds off with graham cracker notes, a touch of sweetness that balances the initial fruit and wood impressions beautifully.
Palate
The first sip reveals a well-balanced blend of sweetness and spice. It starts with graham cracker and caramel, carrying through with warm, comforting flavors. This sweetness quickly gives way to fruity notes of apple and a warming hint of cinnamon, adding a layer of spice that dances nicely with the initial sweetness. Toward the end, hints of chocolate and oak emerge, grounding the palate and giving it a rich, dessert-like quality that complements the sherry finish. The Oloroso influence is present but not overwhelming, letting the natural whiskey flavors shine through.
Finish
The finish is medium in length, leaning toward the dry side. Chocolate and oak carry the final moments, leaving a lingering warmth and slight bitterness. The dry, oak-infused aftertaste contrasts with the sweetness on the palate, creating a memorable and dynamic tasting experience.
Overall Impressions
High West’s Distillery Select: A Blend of Straight Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Barrels is a well-rounded and complex whiskey that will satisfy fans of sherry finishes and newcomers alike. The interplay of fruit, sweetness, spice, and oak brings a level of enjoyment to each sip. The Oloroso barrel finish adds an extra dimension without overpowering the base whiskey blend, letting the character of the original spirit hold its own. Its dark brown color hints at the richness to come, and the balanced flavors make it an inviting sipper that’s suited for those looking for a nuanced, unique pour.
