High West Double Rye 
Finished 8 months in 
Oloroso Sherry Barrel's
The Only Limited Release Barrel in NC
Free with each contribution of $100 to Youth of North Carolina

Product description

High West Double Rye Barrel Select Whiskey is a distinctive, limited-release, barrel-finished version of High West whiskey in hand-numbered whiskey bottles. Specially selected batches of Double Rye aged whiskey are finished in second-use barrels for an additional period of time, ranging from six months to two years, before being bottled. Finishing barrels for this High West whiskey vary from Sherry, rum or bourbon casks to brandy, gin, scotch, and a variety of wine casks, including Madeira.

This secondary barrel-aging process adds a sophisticated layer of complexity, depth of flavor one of kind smoothness to an American whiskey already known for delicious spice flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg balanced with the richness of woody vanilla and subtly sweet caramel flavor.

Regardless of the pleasantly surprising tasting notes a particular bottle of Double Rye Barrel Select provides – perhaps added sweetness, a hint of wine, or an aged bourbon whiskey flavor – whiskey connoisseurs can anticipate something special. Bottles are filled at 50% ABV; however, each bottle's final ABV varies by aging period, barrel type, etc., often resulting in a higher-proof whiskey.

With a variety of unique taste profiles and barrel finish options, showcased by the distinct background color and foil-treated logo on the labels of these customized bottles, the enhanced character of Double Rye Barrel Select results in an extremely unique whiskey.

Distiller Notes

A barrel-finished versions of High West's Double Rye! This Sherry barrel-finish whiskey is one of kind, delicious, distinctive, and unique. Aromas of mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts, and dark chocolate, with a surprising dose of gin botanicals throughout. Rye spices up front on the palate, then menthol, mint, eucalyptus, herbal tea with wildflower honey and allspice. The finish offers notes of cinnamon and mint, gradually sweetening through the finish with a hint of anise. When it is gone it is all gone.

What is Oloroso Sherry?

Sherry is generally fortified white wines. Oloroso is an oxidatively ripened sherry made from palomino grapes. This type of sherry is typically full-bodied, strong and dry, but is sometimes sweetened by adding other types of sherry. The properties of Oloroso sherry are transferred to the barrel and later on to the whisky.

Where do Oloroso sherry barrels come from?

Oloroso sherry barrels always come from Spain. More precisely from the area around the town of Jerez de la Frontera in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The different sherry wines may only be produced in the so-called "sherry triangle".

Why is whisky aged in Oloroso barrels?

Because of their harmonious character, Oloroso casks are very popular for maturing whisky. The taste of the Oloroso sherry fits in elegantly with the aromas of the whisky in most of the bottlings, but is not too dominant. In this way, Oloroso sherry barrels can add more aromas to a bottling. Oak barrels of other types of sherry, such as Pedro Ximénez (PX), are also used to mature whisky. However, Oloroso barrels are less sweet and luscious compared to PX casks.

What flavours does the Oloroso sherry bring to the whisky?

Oloroso sherries are dry, strong and full-bodied in their character. Whiskies that were matured in former Oloroso sherry casks are mostly characterized by woody and ripe, fruity aromas. The respective aroma profile also depends on the duration of maturation, the intensity (first fill, second fill) and the quality of the barrels used.

Typical for whisky matured in Oloroso casks is a dry, but also soft, full mouthfeel. Concise notes that can be discovered in whisky matured in Oloroso casks are dried fruits such as figs, plums and raisins. The fruit notes are often complemented by distinctively spicy oak notes.