The Prime Barrel Single Barrel Picks

Note: The blog was written by the good folks of The Prime Barrel

We are pleased to announce not one but two fantastic picks to close out the month of September (for those who are counting, this brings our total to three this month).

We were super stoked about having a chance to pick a High West barrel for several reasons. First, we are huge fans of the brand, with both Yippe Ki Yay and Midwinter's Night Dram being staples in our collective bars. Second, it's not often that the opportunity to pick the High West barrel comes along in the NY market. So imagine our surprise when our rep showed up with not one but an opportunity to pick two barrels at once!

Still, we were not going to pick two just for the sake of picking. However, after tasting through available barrels, we were blown away by the two we ultimately selected. Big kudos to High West for being flexible and allowing this to happen - which means that now you get a shot at two fantastic bottles as well.

On to the picks then. Both expressions - those being American Prairie and Double Rye! - were additionally finished in other barrels. The bourbon was finished in Aquavit barrel for additional 13 months, while the Double Rye got 16 months treatment of Pineau de Charentes barrel. 

Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit distilled from grain and potatoes and is flavored with various herbs. Pineau de Charentes, in turn, is a regional aperitif of western France, made in the départements of Charente, Charente-Maritime, and (to a lesser extent) Dordogne. While popular within its production region, it is less well known in other areas of France and somewhat uncommon abroad. It is a fortified wine (mistelle or vin de liqueur), made from either fresh, unfermented grape juice or a blend of lightly fermented grape must to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured.

You can taste the traditional notes of finishing spirits in both whiskeys. Still, they do not overpower the conventional signature of High West bourbon and their double rye. They are still predominantly bourbon and rye, respectively - just with a unique twist which we instantly gravitated towards. 

With bourbon, you can expect to taste aniseed, fennel, caraway (classic tasting notes of aquavit), subtle juniper, and citrus. The expression comes in at 101.2 proof.

With double rye, you can expect enhanced sweetness and mouthfeel (that's coming from Pineau des Charentes influence) combined with notes of dark fruits and berries. The expression comes in at 102.8 proof.

We think you will enjoy these. Keep in mind that the yield on the rye was significantly lower, so if you are planning to get the duo, act swiftly.

1. Proceeds from sales of American Prairie Bourbon will support Mission 22 charity. Donations will go towards healing America's veterans when they need it most — right now. They offer treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury and all of the issues veterans face today.
2. Proceeds from sales of Double Rye! will support Home For Troops. Donations will go towards building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.