Another tasting and yet another “finished” whiskey. This one is part of High West’s Cask Collection, specifically the one aged in old/used Barbados rum kegs. They also have ones aged in Chardonnay, Cab, and Sauvignon Blanc wine barrels as well. Speaking of those, we have to say, Bourbon aged in old white wine barrels doesn’t sound that appealing, but we have never tried it, so who knows. High West is a distillery out in Utah that has a decent reputation for providing good juice and trying different things. Strangely, their website does not mention any of the Cask Collections.
The Cask Collection featuring the extra finish in rum barrels sells for $69, is 100 proof, is not the easiest to find, and comes in the tall slender corked bottle as all of the High West expressions. We could not find an age statement nor info on the mash bill.
It is a little discerning that there is no age or mash info. For $70, seems like we should have data on both. We are generally fans of High West but are so-so on the “finished Bourbons”. Let hope we have a winner.
NOSE
TB: A very good nose that is balanced with nothing really jumping out. But good aromas of wood, sweet bread, vanilla, nuts, toast, and cinnamon. Lesser scents include tobacco, caramel, apple, and pear. Ice brought out more sweetness and maybe even a little banana.
TASTE
TB: A little hotter than expected neat and not quite as complex as the nose. Still getting nice flavors of caramel, grain, vanilla, along with a spicey wood like taste, and some leather. A little sweeter than expected. Ice mutes some flavors but brings out a little honey, fruit, spice, and more leather.
FINISH
TB: Medium long with some sweetness and spice.
OVERALL
TB: Not a bad drink, maybe a touch too high in the price, but not complaining. One thing though, none of us could really taste the extra time in the rum barrels. It just tastes like a solid Bourbon.
Nose 4.5 out of 5
Taste 6.75 out of 10
Finish 3.5 out of 5
Total score 14.75 out of 20 barrels.
As we stated above, we are fans of most things High West and this is no exception. While it is true, we were expecting a bit more of a unique taste given the rum barrel aging, it was still good, and we would buy again, and have.
Our final verdict, if you can find High West Cask Collection, Barbados rum, we think you should buy a bottle. It is somewhat hard to find so it can be a talking point as well as a good pour.