As the nights grow longer and a winter chill fills the air, the most anticipated annual rye whiskey release makes its return: High West's A Midwinter Night's Dram, Act 13. This limited-edition expression is a Shakespearean ode to the season, a complex and beautiful whiskey crafted for savoring by a warm fire. For the serious rye enthusiast and collector, this is the ultimate winter dram. Find this cult favorite through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
This exceptional spirit is a blend of High West's beloved flagship whiskey, "Rendezvous Rye," which is then finished in a combination of Ruby and Tawny Port barrels. This secondary maturation imparts a rich, fruity, and decadent character that perfectly complements the rye's inherent spice. Each "Act" is a unique vintage, a snapshot in time that will never be replicated.
Key Specifications:
Product: High West A Midwinter Night's Dram: Act 13
Style: A Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies Finished in Port Barrels
Base Whiskey: High West Rendezvous Rye (a blend of straight ryes aged 4 to 10 years)
Finishing Casks: Ruby and Tawny Port Barrels
Proof | ABV: 98.6 Proof | 49.3% ABV
Distillery: High West Distillery, Park City & Wanship, UT
Brand History: The Spirit of the West
Founded in 2006, High West became Utah's first legal distillery since 1870. They quickly earned a world-class reputation as master blenders, creating iconic and beloved sourced whiskeys. A Midwinter Night's Dram is arguably their most famous and sought-after limited annual release. Named after the Shakespeare play, each "Act" is a new vintage of their port-finished rye, eagerly hunted by connoisseurs for its consistent quality and unique, evolving flavor profile.
Tasting Notes: A Complex Winter Symphony
Nose: A rich and complex bouquet. Brandied cherries, fig jam, and crushed blackberries mingle with the comforting aroma of pecan cinnamon rolls. Notes of allspice, grapefruit zest, and a hint of a crisp autumn hayride round out the nose.
Palate: The palate is rich and decadent. Flavors of marionberry preserves and chocolate-dipped cherries lead, evolving into a complex mid-palate reminiscent of Italian tiramisu and stewed rhubarb. The classic rye spice of weathered cinnamon bark and clove provides a beautiful backbone, with a final, sophisticated note of fresh-pulled espresso.
Finish: Velvety and spiced. The finish is exceptionally long with notes of chai cold foam, clove-studded orange, and a final, pleasant warmth of a soft ginger chew.
Why Act 13 is a Must-Have:
The Ultimate Winter Rye: With its rich, warming, and fruit-forward profile, this is the perfect whiskey for a cold winter's night.
A Collector's Tradition: As the 13th installment of an iconic annual series, this is a must-have for any serious whiskey collector.
Masterful Cask Finishing: The dual finish in both Ruby and Tawny Port barrels creates a unique and profound depth of flavor.
A Cult Favorite: This is one of the most beloved and highly anticipated limited releases in all of American whiskey.
How to Enjoy: We recommend that you enjoy this special spirit neat, due to its many layers of complexity, next to a warm fire as the snow piles up on the windowsill.
Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of the legendary High West A Midwinter Night's Dram: Act 13.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is "A Midwinter Night's Dram"?
A: It is High West's limited, annual release of their Rendezvous Rye whiskey that has been finished in both Ruby and Tawny Port barrels, giving it a rich, fruity, and spicy character perfect for winter.
Q: What does the "Act 13" mean?
A: Each annual release is called an "Act," similar to a play. "Act 13" signifies that this is the 13th unique vintage in the series.
Q: How is this different from the standard High West Rendezvous Rye?
A: Rendezvous Rye is the base whiskey, which is a blend of straight rye whiskeys. A Midwinter Night's Dram takes that base and finishes it for an additional period in Port wine barrels, which imparts the rich fruit and dessert notes.
Q: Where can I purchase A Midwinter Night's Dram?
A: This is a highly sought-after, allocated annual release. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability, typically in the late fall.
