Distiller Notes
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Sprits of 2022
Light spicy notes of allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon are noticeable in this unique multi-state whiskey, along with hints of brown sugar, butterscotch and sweet oak. Hints of persimmon, light caramel, and cayenne pepper, plus rye notes, soft vanilla bean and light citrus. The relatively short to mid-range finish, which is typical of younger whiskeys, is surprisingly very gentle.
Enjoy High Plains Rye straight-up or with a little ice, or as an Old Fashion for mixed drink lovers.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is the inaugural bottling for High Plains, a blend of five straight rye whiskies from four distilleries in four states (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, New York). The end result is complex, opening with cayenne and clove sizzle, rounding into vanilla and caramel. Adding water softens the effect to mocha, oatmeal cookie and pecan pie, finishing with baking spice and a buttery, toasty exhale.
Known for its peppery, spicy bite, Rye serves as the ideal base for cocktails like the Sazerac, Manhattan or Old Fashioned. In order for a spirit to be labeled an American Rye Whiskey, the mash bill must be comprised of at least 51% rye grain. The remainder of the mash is most often a combination of malted barley, wheat or corn. After distillation is complete, the spirit is transferred to unused, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though many producers choose to age longer.