High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey

High West Rendezvous Rye is a bold, heritage-rich rye whiskey—a meticulously crafted blend of high-rye whiskies delivering an intriguing herbal punch, layered fruitiness, and warming spice. It’s a flavorful nod to traditional rye with modern craftsmanship.

🧾 Key Facts

• Blend & Proof: Bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), it combines MGP rye (95% rye, 5% malted barley) with High West-distilled rye (80% rye, 20% malted rye), both aged for 4–7 years in charred American oak barrels

• Seasonal & Artistic: Released annually as a limited-edition bourbon with a rotating artist-designed label, continuing High West’s tradition 

👃 Nose

A layered aroma of baked goods (graham crackers, cinnamon sugar), berries, and orchard preserves combines with botanical freshness—sage, lavender, mint, pine—and light oak with caramel undertones 

👄 Palate

The flavor profile is a fascinating mosaic:

• Herbal spice: mint, pine, fennel.

• Fruit & sweets: orange and raspberry preserves, candy-like citrus peel, clove and vanilla-poached dates.

• Baked notes: cinnamon buns, brown sugar, toffee, oatmeal, graham crackers 

🔚 Finish

Long and warming, with persistent rye spice, heat, cracked black pepper, cocoa powder, dried cherries, ginger chews, stone cut oats, and a layered cinnamon-orange sweetness 

🌟 Character & Uniqueness

• High-rye mash bill: Embraces tradition with rye contents exceeding 90%, giving it bold, authentic spice 

• Bright herbal complexity: Its sage, lavender, mint, and pine aromas give a unique, almost gin-like depth 

• Evolving blend: Moving from older rye-heavy blends to more pot-still rye influence, the flavor has shifted—lighter but still distinctive

🧭 Awards & Recognition

Widely praised—awarded:

• Silver medals at the 2023 San Francisco and Denver Spirits competitions 

• Scores between 94–96 from Wine Enthusiast, Malt Advocate, Whiskey Advocate, and Robert Parker 

🥂 Serving & Pairings

• Neat or on ice: Experience its complex aroma and gently spicy palate.

• Classic cocktails: A superb foundation for Rye Old Fashioneds or Manhattans—its herbal fruit richness elevates mixed drinks 

• Cozy sipping: Perfect by a campfire or paired with smoked meats and autumn desserts 

✅ Final Take

High West Rendezvous Rye offers a bold, expressive, and layered rye experience. Its high rye mash, herbal intrigue, and deep spice profile make it a standout in the rye whiskey category. Whether sipped neat or stirred into classic cocktails, it delivers a memorable journey through today’s craft whiskey renaissance—with a respectful nod to the past.

"Malted grains and a bit of spice open the nose, with alluring touches of red berries, brown sugar, and lemon hard candies. An interplay of brown spice, pepper, citrus, and honey unfolds on the palate, with cinnamon creeping in on the finish." 93 Points, 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge