High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 Rye Whiskey – 98.6 Proof (49.3% ABV) | 750ml

High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 Rye Whiskey is a limited-edition seasonal release that celebrates the rich character of rye whiskey and the complexity of fortified-wine cask finishing. Created to commemorate High West Distillery's 20th anniversary, Act 14 builds on the brand's Rendezvous Rye blend, aged between four and ten years, and introduces an expanded finishing process featuring Ruby Port, Tawny Port, Amontillado Sherry, Oloroso Sherry, and Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry casks. Bottled at 49.3% ABV, this expressive whiskey layers dark fruit, berry preserves, baking spice, and toasted oak into a rich, dessert-inspired profile designed for slow sipping.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Straight Rye Whiskey

Brand: High West

Expression: A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14

Release: 2026 Limited Edition

Alcohol Content: 49.3% ABV (98.6 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Base Whiskey: Blend of straight rye whiskeys

Whiskey Age Range: 4–10 years

Finishing Casks: Ruby Port, Tawny Port, Amontillado Sherry, Oloroso Sherry, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry

Filtration: Non-chill filtered

Added Flavoring: None

Origin: Utah, USA

Process & Production

A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 begins with High West's Rendezvous Rye, a blend of straight rye whiskeys aged between four and ten years. The blend brings together different rye mash bills, combining the bold spice of high-rye whiskey with the structure and complexity of High West's own distillate.

For Act 14, High West expands the series' traditional Port-cask finishing approach by incorporating three styles of Sherry casks: Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez. These join Ruby and Tawny Port casks to create a five-cask finishing program. The Port casks contribute rich fruit and sweetness, while the Sherry casks add further layers of dried fruit, nutty character, and depth.

The whiskey is bottled without chill filtration to preserve its texture and character. At 49.3% ABV, it delivers a concentrated, full-bodied expression that balances rye spice with fruit-forward and dessert-like notes.

Appearance

Deep amber with warm copper and mahogany highlights, reflecting the whiskey's maturation and finishing in fortified-wine casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Wild strawberries, blackberry-lemon preserves, singed apple slices, grapefruit blossom, honeycomb, sandalwood, autumn leaves, and warm figs.

Palate: Blood orange, cherry fruit leather, cinnamon-dusted plum crumble, quince jam, apricot scone, cold-brew coffee, dried mint, toasted hazelnuts, and hickory wood. The rye brings a warming spice that balances the rich fruit and pastry-like sweetness.

Finish: Rich and vibrant, with lingering berry preserves, baking spice, toasted wood, and notes reminiscent of a jam-filled cookie dipped in spiced chai.

What Makes It Special

Act 14 marks a new chapter in High West's celebrated A Midwinter Night's Dram series. Created for the distillery's 20th anniversary, this release expands the finishing program beyond the familiar Port-cask influence by incorporating Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks.

The combination of five cask styles creates a layered profile that brings together ripe berries, dried fruit, nuts, pastry, and warming spice. Its non-chill-filtered presentation helps preserve the whiskey's texture, while the limited annual release format makes each Act a distinct expression within the collection.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy neat in a tulip-shaped whiskey glass to explore the layers of fruit, spice, and oak. Allow the whiskey to rest for a few minutes before sipping to let its aromas develop. A few drops of water can soften the intensity and reveal additional fruit and nutty notes.

For a food pairing, try it with Manchego cheese, honey-drizzled walnuts, or prosciutto-wrapped dates. Its rich fruit and baking-spice character also complements dark chocolate, dried figs, and spiced desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14?

It is a limited-edition straight rye whiskey from High West, built on the Rendezvous Rye blend and finished using a combination of Port and Sherry casks.

What is the alcohol content?

Act 14 is bottled at 49.3% ABV, equivalent to 98.6 proof.

What makes Act 14 different from previous releases?

This edition expands the finishing program by adding Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks to the Ruby and Tawny Port casks traditionally associated with the series.

What are the main tasting notes?

The official profile includes wild strawberries, blackberry-lemon preserves, and fig on the nose, followed by blood orange, cherry fruit leather, plum crumble, quince jam, apricot scone, and toasted hazelnuts on the palate.

Is it chill filtered?

No. High West bottles Act 14 without chill filtration to preserve its texture and character.

How should it be served?

High West recommends enjoying it neat to appreciate its many layers of flavor. It can also be explored with a few drops of water.

Brand Story

High West Distillery was founded in Park City, Utah, in 2006 and has developed a reputation for blending and finishing whiskey with a distinctive sense of place and experimentation. The A Midwinter Night's Dram series draws inspiration from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, using the imagery of winter, dreams, and indulgent seasonal flavors to shape each release. Every annual Act offers a new interpretation of the series, combining rye whiskey with carefully selected finishing casks.

High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 Rye Whiskey

High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 14 Rye Whiskey brings together a mature rye blend and an expanded five-cask finishing program for a distinctive, limited-edition release. With notes of wild berries, blood orange, cherry, plum crumble, toasted hazelnuts, and warming spice, this 750ml whiskey is an expressive choice for slow sipping and special occasions.