For Repeal Day 2018 High West released a barrel select American Prairie finished for 2 years and 1 month in the 36th Vote Barrel Aged Manhattan barrels which were originally used to age rye whiskey. My folks went to the party and grabbed a couple bottles, one of which ended up being a gift for me! I got to try my dad’s bottle back in Utah and have already done some damage to this one so let’s get to the review.
Review
Age: 2-13 years and then finished for 2 years and 1 month
Abv: 101.98 proof
Color: A reddish amber
Price: $49.99
Neat
Nose: The Manhattan finish is clear from the nose with the prominent dark cherry and herbal notes backed by a subtle vanilla.
Taste: Excellent mouthfeel and rich dark cherry notes with tamer herbal and oak notes.
Finish: Longer than the regular bottling with warm spice and vanilla
On a rock
Nose: A little muted by the ice but still very Manhattany with the cherry note standing out and the herbal and vanilla notes in the background
Taste: Even better than it was neat with a more viscous mouthfeel and more balance between the cherry, herbs and oak. The vanilla for the nose is also there.
Finish: Very similar to the neat finish if a hair shorter
Conclusion
The finishing and higher proof definitely made this more interesting than it’s usual expression. It’s very flavorful, has a great mouthfeel and I’d be happy to use this on the rocks as a replacement for a Manhattan or to sip neat. Overall it’s a great bourbon and if I could grab another bottle at retail I definitely would.
9 - a favorite that I almost always have a bottle of on my shelf
This will be the last entry in my High West series and I’ll do a little wrap up post in the next few days covering the whiskey line up and the distillery experience.
You can also follow me on Instagram(@atxbourbon) or reddit to keep up with these reviews and my other whiskey-centric adventures.
Scale
My reviews are mostly about taste but occasionally take price into consideration generally dropping a point from whiskies in the 8-9 range that seem significantly more expensive than similar quality bottles.
10 - an all time favorite, must buy
9 - a favorite that I almost always have a bottle of on my shelf
8 - an excellent bottle I’d be happy to buy
7 - a solid whiskey I’d happily order at bar if they don’t have something 8+
6 - a decent whiskey that I don’t prefer but don’t avoid and would be fine having as a mixer or in a pinch somewhere with a poor selection
5 - I would drink it if offered and I didn’t have to pay for it
4 - Fine as a mixer, bring on the Coke Zero
3 - Maybe a mixer if I’m in pinch
2 - no thanks
1 - pouring out the bottle