High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 13 is the definitive winter rye of the American whiskey landscape. Released on October 5, 2025, this 13th installment of the Park City distillery's legendary series continues the Shakespearean tradition of "casting" elite rye whiskey for the cold-weather season. Built upon a foundation of High West’s acclaimed Rendezvous Rye, this expression leverages a sophisticated dual-port maturation to deliver a profile of monumental dried-fruit complexity and holiday spice.
The Technical Distinction
By finishing a blend of straight rye whiskeys (aged 4–10 years) in both Ruby and Tawny Port casks, High West achieves a structural synergy that bridges primary red fruit with oxidative nuttiness.
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Ruby Port Influence: Contributes the "bright" top notes of blackberry preserves, chocolate-dipped cherries, and plum syrup.
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Tawny Port Influence: Provides the "darker" base layers of fig jam, toasted almond shortbread, and developed spice.
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Utah-MGP Blend: A precise marriage of High West’s own 80/20 pot-still rye and the iconic 95/5 MGP mashbill, ensuring the spicy structural framework remains intact beneath the heavy cask influence.
Sensory Profile
Nose: Blackberry, mandarin zest, and almond shortbread. Developing layers of fig jam, dulce de membrillo, and allspice emerge alongside plum syrup and soft mulling spice.
Palate: Medium-to-full bodied. Marionberry preserves and marbled rye bread transition into a complex mid-palate of mocha cinnamon bark, winter pine, and oolong tea.
Finish: Long and festive. A signature closing of spiced chai foam and clove-studded orange with a persistent port-derived dark-fruit note.
The Act 13 Vertical
Act 13 represents the modern maturity of the series. While Act 1 (2013) defined the port-finished rye genre, this vintage showcases a more chiseled balance between the 98.6-proof heat and the French oak sweetness.
"A structural masterpiece that captures the spirit of a Park City winter in a single glass."
Technical Specifications
| Distillery |
High West Distillery, Park City, UT |
| Style |
Port-Finished Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Base Spirits |
Rendezvous Rye (Aged 4–10 Years) |
| Finish Casks |
French Oak Ruby and Tawny Port |
| Proof / ABV |
98.6 Proof / 49.3% ABV |
| Mash Bills |
95% Rye (MGP) + 80% Rye (High West) |
| Release Date |
October 5, 2025 (Act 13) |
Collector Notes
High West A Midwinter Night's Dram is a high-conviction acquisition for vertical collectors, serving as the benchmark for the "finished rye" category. Collectors prioritize the specific Act and Scene designations; Act 13 represents a significant milestone in the series' longevity. As national allocation continues to tighten, early scenes (e.g., Scene 1–7) typically command a premium on the luxury secondary market. Every bottle offered here is verified for pristine label integrity and authenticated Act 13 origin. Provenance is strictly documented to ensure the highest standard for the investment-grade American whiskey market.
Recommended Serving
To fully isolate the spiced chai and winter pine aromatics, enjoy this rye neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature. For a slower evolution of the chocolate-cherry mid-palate, serve over a single large clear cube. Its robust 98.6-proof framework and port-heavy sweetness also make it the premier choice for a Luxury Sazerac or Manhattan, where the mulling spices act as a natural extension of the cocktail’s bitters.
