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I looked forward to reviewing High West's A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 10 Scene 3. Last season I missed out on the fervor, and it haunted me all year. Will this rye live up to the hype? Let's get into the review.
Rating: 83
| Nose |
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 88
A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 3 starts with a delectable and chewy Werther's original candied caramel nose. There is a chewy dark brown sugar with virtually no spice at first, which is strange for a rye whiskey. So, I let the glass sit for a minute or so, and then the mild spice became stronger. Suddenly everything was overtaken by sweet oak with a very mild herbal spice well below that oak. Dried fig notes become more and more prominent the longer the bottle is open. I nosed it for a few minutes before taking a sip because I was surprised by how long the oak and fig lasted in the aroma. They dominated after a while. This is a complex and enjoyable nosing experience.
Palate Review - Rating: 87
The palate was very friendly, to begin with. A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 3 has an earthy spice with a somewhat honey-like sweet fig and minty oak theme. I would like this to be richer and oilier. Sadly, the mouthfeel is a little thin, and I am having difficulty identifying the Port influence. This seems like a six or 7-year whiskey (Good for a rye). It could also use a little more proof to help the flavor's intensity. In time, sweet oak takes over the palate along with figs. I am surprised by the oak dominance of this rye. This tastes more like a high rye bourbon than rye whiskey. Having said that, this whiskey opens up after a few weeks and becomes even more complex and tasty.
Finish Review - Rating: 74
The leathery finish is short. Sometimes it seems as if it doesn't exist.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 86
While the variety of flavors in this rye whiskey are not overtly unique, the combination and weight of the notes create a unique experience. Specific notes are more prominent than you would expect for a rye whiskey. I am perplexed by this, in a good way, because over time it becomes more unique.
Value Review - Rating: 77
A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 Scene 3 is a very tasty whiskey, but priced at $120 and up makes it a hard purchase for many. Having said that, I will pay that price the next time around.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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