High West Distillery A Midwinter Night Dram Straight Rye Whiskey, Utah, USA

A Midwinter Night’s Dram is the kind of whiskey that transforms a cold evening into a moment of theater. First released in 2013, this limited annual bottling from High West Distillery in Park City, Utah, has become a cult-favorite among rye enthusiasts and wine-finished whiskey lovers alike. Based on High West’s Rendezvous Rye and finished in a mix of French oak and Port barrels, each “Act” delivers a rich, winter-ready sip that blends spice, fruit, and dramatic complexity. The 2023 release, Act 11, is no exception, offering a bold take on the house style with a few unexpected twists.

Expert’s Notes:

Bryant Bowlby, Wine Dispensary Beverage Expert, calls A Midwinter Night’s Dram “a rare and highly sought-after collection” that tracks the evolution of one of the most beloved expressions in American craft whiskey. “Each Act tells a different story,” he explains, “but the core experience, a port-finished rye rich in seasonal spice and dark fruit, never fails to enchant. With Act 11, you’re getting a performance that whiskey lovers wait all year to see.” He also emphasizes the whiskey’s scarcity: “We’re lucky to have it. Most shops won’t.”

Product Details:

• Label: A Midwinter Night’s Dram – Act 11 Scene 9
• Whiskey Type: Blended Straight Rye Whiskeys
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed proportions of MGP (95% rye, 5% malted barley) and High West (80% rye, 20% malted rye)
• Proof: 98.6°
• ABV: 49.3%
• Age: NAS (Blend of older sourced stock + High West’s own rye)
• Barrel Finish: French oak and Port cask finish
• Release: 2023 Limited Annual Edition

Sensory Description:

On the nose, Act 11 leads with rich stewed plum and juicy raisin, accented by brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried orange peel. Subtle vanilla bean, fig, and blackberry emerge with time in the glass. Beneath the fruit lies a layer of soft leather, baking spice, and faint herbal complexity, mint, tarragon, and even a touch of macerated cherry. On the palate, it opens syrupy but quick-dissolving, offering dark cherry, plum, raspberry, and hints of dark chocolate and mint. Toward the finish, notes of raisins, cinnamon stick, and pear liqueur drift into view. The overall effect is warming, textured, and slightly ephemeral.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2025)

Distiller's Background:

High West Distillery was founded in 2006 by David and Jane Perkins, with David drawing inspiration from his background in biochemistry and a visit to a Kentucky distillery. The couple moved to Park City, Utah, in 2004 and began distilling by 2007. What started as a modest 250-gallon operation in an old livery stable has grown into one of the most innovative and award-winning distilleries in the world. Known for sourcing and blending with transparency, High West has become a leader in the American whiskey renaissance, marrying tradition and creativity in each release.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy A Midwinter Night’s Dram neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass at room temperature to fully appreciate its structure and aromatics. For a quieter expression, a single large ice cube or a few drops of water will soften the sharper edges. This whiskey pairs beautifully with fig cookies, spiced pecans, or dark chocolate, and is best sipped slowly beside a roaring fire, or shared among good company as the snow falls outside.

Every bottle of A Midwinter Night’s Dram is a fleeting performance, a once-a-year opportunity to experience the magic of seasonal whiskey at its most expressive. Act 11 holds the stage with richness, warmth, and just enough mystery to leave you wanting more.