High West Double Rye Whiskey
High West Double Rye Whiskey is a 750mL blend of straight rye whiskeys bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV) in Park City, Utah. It marries a younger, sourced column-still rye with an older rye distilled by High West itself in its pot still — two ryes, both at least two years old, built to be about twice as spicy as an average rye. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Blend of straight rye whiskeys
- Mash bills: 95% rye, 5% barley malt (sourced, column still) + 80% rye, 20% malted rye (High West, pot still)
- Age: Both components a minimum of 2 years; the blend ranges 2–7 years
- Barrels: New, charred white American oak
- Origin: Park City, Utah
Two Ryes, One Exclamation Point
The name is the recipe: "Double" for the two rye whiskeys inside, and the exclamation point — the brand writes it Double Rye! — for High West's stated aim to showcase rye and create the spiciest rye whiskey in the world. The younger sourced rye brings the bite; the older High West pot-still rye answers with caramel sweetness and woody vanilla to calm it. It is also the base of the discontinued, wine-finished Yippee Ki-Yay. The flagship end of the range is the Rendezvous Rye, and the full range is on the High West vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer's technical notes: a nose of mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts and dark chocolate, with a gin-botanical streak throughout; a taste led by rye spice, then menthol, mint, eucalyptus and herbal tea with wildflower honey and allspice; and a finish of cinnamon and mint, gradually sweetening, with a hint of anise.
How to Enjoy
In the brand's own words, its balance of cinnamon, anise and honey lets it stand on its own in cocktails — it fortifies a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned — and it is just as good neat, with a little water, or on the rocks. More rye for the home bar is in our bourbon whiskey collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "Double" in Double Rye mean?
Two rye whiskeys: a younger sourced rye (95% rye mash, column-distilled) and an older rye High West distills itself (80% rye, pot-distilled). The exclamation point in the brand's styling stands for its aim to make the spiciest rye in the world.
Is Double Rye still made with a 16-year-old rye?
No. That blend — a young rye married with a 16-year-old Barton rye — is the retired original recipe that still circulates on retailer pages. The current blend pairs the sourced rye with High West's own pot-still rye, with components aged two to seven years.
How strong is Double Rye?
92 proof (46% ABV), bottled in Park City, Utah.
Twice the rye, twice the spice — order Double Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.