High West A Midwinter Night's Dram

Pairs with: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, slow-cooked venison, rich plum pudding, or artisanal dark chocolate truffles

Good for: Sitting fireside during a howling winter blizzard, or acting as the ultimate, sophisticated punctuation to an elegant holiday feast

Cocktails: Served strictly neat in a classic Glencairn, with a single drop of distilled water, or in a premium Manhattan

I am from: Park City, Utah, USA

The Story: Inspired by the timeless works of William Shakespeare, this highly coveted annual release is a benchmark producer from High West—the pioneering estate nestled high in the rugged, sun-drenched Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The distillery is legendary because it holds America's most unique high-altitude heritage, operating at 7,000 feet above sea level. Sharp, alpine winter freezes blanket the barrel warehouses, locking in a vibrant complexity while the mountain terrain and pure snowmelt water infuse the liquid with an unforgettable mountain-meets-frontier character. Crafted by taking their celebrated Rendezvous Rye blend and finishing it in a sumptuous mix of rare ruby and tawny port casks, it captures a festive, dramatic masterpiece designed to be savored before it is gone.

Why You'll Love Me: It balances a fiery, minty rye spice with an incredibly seductive, jammy dark fruit edge. Patiently finished to capture the true flavors of Christmas, it bursts from the glass with lively aromas of brandied cherries, fig jam, dried orange zest, and warm winter baking spices like cinnamon and clove. On the palate, it delivers a beautiful, silky medium-to-full body that is instantly cut by a laser-beam core of black pepper and molasses. It gracefully sweeps into a long, complex finish defined by a mouthwatering buttery smoothness, a touch of dark cacao, and a signature hint of velvety, port wine sweetness.