High West Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey

High West Cask Strength Bourbon is a bold, high-octane expression that delivers depth, spice, and layered complexity without compromise. Bottled straight from the barrel, it amplifies High West’s signature balance of sweetness and spice with added intensity, richness, and texture. Powerful yet composed, this is a bourbon designed for seasoned enthusiasts who appreciate full-proof character and nuance.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by High West Distillery in Park City, Utah, this cask strength bourbon reflects the brand’s blending expertise and commitment to expressive, flavor-forward American whiskey.

Key production details:

• Mashbill Composition: A blend of carefully selected bourbon mashbills emphasizing corn sweetness balanced by rye spice and malted barley structure.

• Blending Philosophy: High West is renowned for its precision blending, selecting barrels that complement each other in flavor intensity, mouthfeel, and balance.

• Aging: Matured in new, charred American oak barrels, developing concentrated caramelized sugars, spice, and oak depth.

• Cask Strength Bottling: Bottled uncut and unfiltered at natural barrel proof, preserving full aromatic intensity, viscosity, and structure.

This expression showcases High West at its most unapologetic — raw, complex, and expressive.

Critics Reviews & Professional Impressions

Professional whiskey tasters consistently highlight High West Cask Strength Bourbon for:

• Impressive balance at high proof, where heat enhances rather than overwhelms flavor

• Layered complexity, combining classic bourbon sweetness with pronounced spice and oak

• Exceptional mouthfeel, often described as dense, oily, and palate-coating

• Blending precision, even at barrel strength, maintaining harmony and drinkability

Among barrel-proof bourbons, it is frequently praised for its composure and depth rather than brute force alone.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Robust and inviting. Aromas of caramelized brown sugar, vanilla bean, toasted corn, and baked apple are joined by cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and charred oak. Subtle notes of orange peel and dark honey emerge with time.

Palate:
Full-bodied and richly textured. Waves of toffee, maple sugar, and vanilla lead, followed by rye-driven spice — black pepper, clove, and baking spice. Mid-palate reveals cocoa powder, roasted nuts, and oak char, balanced by underlying sweetness and structure.

Finish:
Long, warming, and authoritative. Lingering spice, caramel, toasted oak, and a touch of leather fade slowly, leaving a dry, structured, and satisfying close.

Quick Overview

"Toasted caramel, grilled orange, and a blast of dried herbs flow from the glass of this delightful rye. The has huge complexity palate balancing maturity and youth alternating waves of sublime confectionary tones and invigorating adolescent spice." 93 Points, 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge