Today we’re tasting the High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 and comparing it to the High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 2.9 which was reviewed yesterday. It seems like a minor jump, but each act represents a new batch and as such could potentially be quite different. Different casks of rye blended together produces slightly different results and if that blend is then further aged / finished in French Oak and ex-Port barrels it can bring about even more changes. I got a sample of Act 3 from a whiskey buddy so I thought it would be fun to taste them side-by-side and see how, if at all, they differ.
The good news for us, the general consumer, is that High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 is easier to find than the 2.9 since it’s the more recent of the two. The bad news is that it’s still not exactly easy to find. However if reading yesterday’s review and today’s review / comparison has intrigued you then I’d recommend calling up your favorite High West carrying liquor store and ask about it – they might be able to tell you if/when they expect to see the next Act hitting the shelves.
High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 Info
Region: Indiana, USA & Kentucky, USA
Distiller: MGP & Barton
Blender: High West
Blend: 6-Years-Old MGP + 16-Years-Old Barton
Mashbill: MGP = 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley | Barton = 80% Rye, 10% Corn, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak – Finished In French Oak & Port Barrels
Age: NAS (technically 6 years)
ABV: 49.1%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Act: 3
Scene: 1
Price: $80
High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 Review
EYE
Ruby copper
NOSE
Dilly rye spice moves out followed by notes of caramel, grape heavy dark fruit, Smarties, iodine and vermouth. There’s a light bit of a solvent undertone to the core aromas, but other than that it’s nearly identical to the HWMND 2.9.
PALATE
Spicy dill and cinnamon move through with notes of caramel, oak, raisiny dark fruit, strawberry taffy, Smarties, toasted grain and some light touches of leather, nuts and pink peppercorns. There’s a touch more caramel, oak and dill here than on the Midwinter 2.9, but they’re nearly identical here as well.
FINISH
Long ribbons of cinnamon spice intermixed with dark fruit, wood, a general fruity sweetness and a hint of mint.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full bodied and a warm thick texture.
OVERALL
High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 is nearly identical to the HWMND 2.9 with only subtle changeups in the spice and oak to differentiate the two. They’re so similar that unless you’re doing this, sitting down with them right next to each other, it would be nearly impossible to know the difference. Consistency at its finest.
Both High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 3 and 2.9 are tasty ryes with lots to offer and I’d happily recommend them to anyone who hasn’t tried them yet. Though like with the 2.9, I do like the regular High West Rendezvous Rye a bit more. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a well structured rye.
SCORE: 88/100 (B+)