Midwinter Night's Dram Act 11 is a unique whiskey that showcases the blending and finishing skills of High West Distillery. The base of this whiskey is a blend of two different rye whiskies – one sourced from MGP, which is known for producing high-quality rye, and the other made in-house by High West. This combination of whiskies brings together the best of both worlds, creating a complex and flavorful spirit.
The use of sourced whiskey is not uncommon in the whiskey industry. Many distilleries, especially those that are relatively young or small in scale, choose to supplement their own production with sourced whiskey to meet demand and offer a wider range of products. In the case of Midwinter Night's Dram, High West has chosen to blend their own rye with the MGP-sourced rye to create a unique flavor profile.
The finishing process of this whiskey is what sets it apart from other rye whiskies. After the blending stage, the whiskey is transferred to tawny and ruby Port barrels for additional aging. This finishing period allows the whiskey to absorb the flavors and characteristics of the Port barrels, adding layers of complexity and sweetness to the final product.
Now, the question of whether Midwinter Night's Dram can be considered “sourced” is subjective. While a portion of the blend does come from a sourced whiskey, High West's own rye is also a significant component. The use of sourced whiskey does not inherently make a whiskey inferior or less valuable. It is the skill of the blender and the overall quality of the product that truly matters.
In my personal experience, I have come across many sourced whiskies that are outstanding in terms of flavor and craftsmanship. The key is for the distillery to be transparent about the sourcing and to use the sourced whiskey in a way that enhances the final product. High West has been open about their use of sourced whiskey in their blends, and they have consistently produced whiskies that are highly regarded in the industry.
While Midwinter Night's Dram Act 11 does contain a portion of sourced rye whiskey, it is not accurate to label it solely as a sourced whiskey. The blend of MGP-sourced rye and High West's own rye, along with the unique finishing in Port barrels, creates a whiskey that is distinct and worthy of appreciation. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of the distillers at High West.