High West Double Rye 700ml

High West Double Rye is a blend of two straight rye whiskeys from High West Distillery in Park City, Utah. One is a column-distilled rye made from 95% rye, the other a pot-distilled rye from High West’s own stills, and the blend is bottled at 46% ABV.

Buy High West Double Rye Online in New Zealand

The name comes from those two components. The column rye, made from 95% rye and 5% barley malt, is the younger and brasher of the pair, bringing cinnamon, clove, anise and eucalyptus. High West’s own pot still rye, made from 80% rye and 20% malted rye, adds weight, caramel and vanilla that round off the edges. Both parts are at least two years old. Blending them gives a rye with plenty of spice but a softer landing than a straight high-rye on its own, and that balance is why it is so popular behind the bar.

High West’s own tasting notes:

Nose: Mint, clove, allspice, liquorice root and dark chocolate, with a gin-like herbal streak.

Palate: Rye spice moving into menthol, eucalyptus, lemon and ginger tea, with wildflower honey.

Finish: Cinnamon candy sweetness with a touch of anise.

This is a rye built for stirred drinks. Use 60ml in a Manhattan with sweet vermouth and bitters, or make a Sazerac with an absinthe rinse and a lemon twist. Neat, add a splash of water to calm the spice. Serve it alongside smoked meats, pastrami sandwiches or a sharp aged cheddar.