High West Rendezvous Rye
46% ABV - Blended, USA
Nose: Upfront the rye notes are exploding – with vanilla, caramel, leather and oak rounding out, and touches of clove in the mix.
Taste: This malt is particularly spicy with rye, fresh wood, and toffee. Fruits seem to be present for some of the sips.
Finish: The spices fade out, with a pine, hickory smoke, dry oak, and vanilla mixture lasting long.
It’s refreshing to have a distillery sourcing whiskey and also being transparent regarding the sources – MGP and Barton for this blend. This is a great go-to rye whiskey that is delicate enough to enjoy neat or with ice, and has enough strength for its flavours to punch through a cocktail. A solid rye whiskey that doesn’t disappoint – and it hasn’t lost its edge after nearly a year.
Tasted 09 June 2018.
82/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
