High West Distillery Unleashes A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 11: Elevating Rye Whiskey to New Heights
A Midwinter Night’s Dram, High West Distillery’s signature Port barrel-finished rye blend, storms back for its 11th season. Boasting 189,684 bottles worldwide, this release marks the most expansive one to date.
“New chapter, same relentless pursuit,” declares Master Distiller Brendan Coyle.
Last year’s milestone—the 10th anniversary—unleashed a dual threat: Act 10 and a special edition called The Encore. “Crafting two whiskeys was a wild ride, no doubt,” Coyle admits. “So this year, we’re returning to our roots. Future twists? Count on it. But for now, it’s all about the core.”
Act 11 harnesses the power of High West’s Rendezvous Rye, melding MGP’s 95% rye with High West’s own 80% version. A tawny and ruby Port barrel finish adds the final touch. Priced at US$150, it comes in hot at 49.3% ABV.
“We’re not flooding the market; we’re expanding horizons,” Coyle says. This release breaks ground in Europe and Australia, while also enlarging the distillery’s U.S. footprint.
Constellation Brands, which acquired High West in 2016, led a portfolio evolution. Gone is Yippee Ki-Yay, but the core Bourbon gets a facelift and their own-make rye takes center stage. Coyle is all-in: “We’ve got the stocks; it’s time to diversify and elevate.”
