High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey

Whiskey Review #22: High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey
Category: Gray Zone

Price: $48

Availability: Year Round-Everywhere  

Proof: 92, 46% abv

Age: 6 years and 16 years

Mashbill: 6 year old- 95% rye, 5% barley. 16 year- 80% rye, 10% corn & 10% barley

Distillery: Sourced from Barton Distillery of Bardstown, KY and MGP Distillary of Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

      The Rendezvous Rye Whiskey is my second review of a High West product. High West is a distillery located in Old Town Park City, Utah. They have won numinous awards for their unique craft whiskeys. The last H.W. product that I reviewed was the Double Rye, and I was greatly impressed! In fact, it really took me off guard, and I ended up giving it a 9 out of 10! The question is, are all H.W. products as wonderful and unique as the Double Rye? The only way to find out, is to review more of their products!

     Rendezvous's mash bill is very similar to the Double Rye mash bill, in that they both marry an old and young rye. The Rendezvous mash bill contains a 16-year rye, with a 6-year rye. The magic is in the union, because you end up with a single product that showcases the youth and vigor of the young rye, with the complexity and mellowness of the old rye. The end result is very unique when compared to conventional rye whiskeys. 

     Overall: This is very close in resemblance to the double rye, but it presents itself a little differently. The older, more mellow rye emerges first with a soft, round and floral beginning. The younger, bolder rye kicks in mid pallet, like an Aston Martin shifting into fourth gear at 4,500 RPM! This is where all the spice, wood and vanilla notes kick in. Things begin to disipitate rapidly as the finish dries up quickly. You are left with traces of black pepper, and remnants of rye spice. 

     My opinion is that it does not quite achieve the depth of the Double Rye. Although there seems to be a sharper contrast between the married (old and young) rye's. I was, however, missing those earthy, herbal notes that the double rye offers. This product is also a good ten dollars more than the double rye. For these reasons, I would choose the Double Rye over the Rendezvous. The Colonels Score is 8 out of 10.   

           
High West Rendezvous Rye from Graham Sparkman on Vimeo.