Distillery: MGP (95% rye, 5% malted barley); High West Distillery (80% rye, 20% malted rye)
Proof: 104
Age: Blend of 4-10 year
Utah Price: 174.99
Product Availability: Distillery Exclusive
High West Distillery, situated in the high-altitude landscape of Park City, Utah, has carved out a distinct niche in the American whiskey scene since its founding in 2006. Known initially for their creative blends and skillful sourcing of well-aged stocks, High West quickly established a reputation as a forward-thinking and quality-focused player. Over time, the distillery began producing their own distillate, complementing sourced whiskeys with a growing inventory of house-made spirits. This dual approach—curating and blending whiskies from various places while gradually increasing the share of their own production—has become a defining characteristic of the brand.
The Noble Share expression emerges as one of High West’s more experimental releases by partnering with Casa Noble Tequila. The Noble Share, a blend of straight rye whiskeys finished in Marques de Casa Noble extra añejo barrels. Casa Noble draws on seven generations of expertise to craft fine tequila using innovative methods that celebrate modern Mexican culture. This unique collaboration is intended to captivate both whiskey and tequila enthusiasts, with the label’s design symbolizing the interplay of the two brands’ distinct origins.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
The first thing that strikes you is the fruity sweetness underscored by gentle oak. It’s not a nose that leaps out of the glass with intensity; instead, it’s more of a thoughtful introduction. Warm caramel mingles with faint vanilla bean and a tart fruit character—alongside a hint of polished wood and distant baking spice.
Palate:
On the palate, Noble Share unfolds with a steady and controlled sweetness that never runs overly sugary. A caramelized brown sugar note leads, followed closely by toasted grain and a layer of fruitiness that echoes the sweet fruits on the nose. There’s a restrained spice element—cinnamon and clove. The body is medium—certainly not thin, but not the velvety heavyweight some might anticipate from an older bourbon. Complexity is present, though subtle, and you’ll find that each sip can reveal a touch more nuance in the flavor.
Finish:
The finish is fairly moderate in length, highlighting a lingering oak character with a gentle wave of spice. It doesn’t shock the palate with sudden changes; rather, it glides out gracefully, leaving a mild warmth, a trace of dark fruit, and a final wisp of that mature wood note. As with the rest of the experience, the finish is won’t dominate your memory for long.
Overall Impressions
High West Noble Share is something of a quiet achiever. It’s not a showstopper that demands attention at the back of a crowded bar, nor does it unravel layers of complexity that will have enthusiasts scribbling frantic tasting notes. Instead, it feels like a confident, studied release—one that appreciates the beauty of refinement over razzle-dazzle. This is a whiskey that exhibits a careful hand in blending: mature enough to show depth, yet reserved enough to remain approachable.
For fans of High West’s standard offerings, Noble Share provides a glimpse into the brand’s knack for thoughtful blending. While it might not bowl you over, it’s an undeniably enjoyable pour. Is it a transcendent, must-have masterpiece? Perhaps not. But it is a fun experiment that pays off, offering a well-composed, slightly elevated flavor profile that justifies the purchase for those curious about what High West can do with more selected barrels. In the end, Noble Share stands as a solid buy—worth trying for its balanced subtlety and the insight it provides into High West’s evolving capabilities.
Flavor: 4/5
Value 3/5
