A little background

High West Rendezvous Rye is unlike many other 51-53% rye whiskies on the market today, as it’s made with a high rye content. This limited release rye whiskey is a blend of older Straight Rye whiskeys ranging in age from 4 to 7 years. The two Straight Rye whiskeys that went into this blend include 95% rye, 5% barley malt from MGP and 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West Distillery. After spending time in New, charred white American oak barrels it’s bottled without chill-filtration at 46% ABV and carries a retail price of $69.99.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Rye spice jumps out of the glass, followed by hints of bubble gum, simple syrup, melon, vanilla, brown sugar, and a touch of pine.

Palate

Enjoyably complex with many notes carrying through from the nose. Rye spice, vanilla, brown sugar, mint, and a sweet simple syrup component.

Finish

Long, complex, and slightly tannic. Wood notes shine through on the finish, leaving the palate slightly dry. Notes of oak, rye spice, vanilla, and jalapeño (minus the heat). A very interesting and unique finish!

In closing

High West Rendezvous Rye is impressively rich, complex, and viscous. The nose is exceptionally good and packs tons of unique notes. Many of the flavors found on the nose carry through to the palate and finish. This is a rye whiskey and there is no mistaking that. A true “rye lovers rye”! At $70 I feel this whiskey is priced about where I’d expect it to be, however, I would love to experience it at or over 100 proof. Regardless, Rendezvous Rye is a fantastic rye whiskey that I think everyone should at least try.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of High West Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.