High West Cask Collection (Cabernet Sauvignon Finished)
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Overall Value: 3.75/5
Distillery: Undisclosed
Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
Company: Constellation Brands
Release Date: Spring 2024
Proof: 100
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $65
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The High West Cask Collection (Cabernet Sauvignon Finish) is an interesting blend of straight bourbons. On the nose, the sweet red fruits from the cabernet finish immediately come through, reminiscent of homemade jam, intertwined with a hint of oak. There are also hints of strawberry and cherry starburst, complemented by subtle undertones of vanilla ice cream. However, this initial promise dissipates over time, leaving behind strong impressions of oakiness.
Transitioning to the palate, a wave of caramel greets the taste buds, swiftly followed by a kick of spice, possibly hinting at a higher rye mashbill. The bourbon provides an oily mouthfeel and the distinctive smokiness from the cabernet barrel. Unfortunately, the cabernet finish is overshadowed by dominant oak notes that persist throughout the tasting experience.
Despite the initial jammy nose, the finish proves disappointing, delivering a dry, harsh, and overwhelmingly oaky sensation. There are moments with lingering impressions of vanilla wafer, which may provide a satisfying conclusion for some, but definitely not all.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
The primary flavor I got when bringing the glass to my nose was Strawberry/Cherry starburst.
There were also hints of vanilla ice cream, and just the slightest bit of oak.
THE TASTE:
It certainly drinks much higher proof than it is — but in the best ways.
Mouth feel, flavor, etc. The whiskey has an oily feel and the smokiness of the cab barrel comes through.
However, the primary flavor I got was woodiness. More pine than oak, but the oak is there too. Fairly dry and not overly sweet, certainly not like the nose makes you think it will be.
Very well-balanced with just the tiniest bit of alcohol notes.
THE FINISH:
Vanilla wafer and oak was all I got on the finish.
It does present dry similar to the palate, but sits in the mouth very well.
BUY OR PASS?
Our first crack of this bottle was exceptional. The cab finish was really bringing some strong jelly/jam flavors. I have to say the review pour did not live up to that.
It's still solid bourbon, but the whole time I wanted it to develop into what I remembered it being.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: I had the opportunity to sample this at a liquor store before buying it and enjoyed it. I purchased a bottle and then opened it that night and it was excellent. However, upon this formal tasting, I did not really enjoy this pour. I’m not sure what was different, but this will definitely require a re-tasting at some point. But for now, here are my thoughts.
THE NOSE:
Sweet red fruits greet you courtesy of that cabernet finish. There's this delightful dryness hanging around, with just a hint of oak sneaking in.
It's like stumbling upon a jar of grandma's homemade jam – pure bliss.
However, after a bit of time, all those notes go away! It's like someone flipped the switch, and all you're left with is a lot of oak.
THE TASTE:
Things start off promising. A gentle wave of caramel washes over your taste buds, but then – it dies off and all you get is oak.
And the cabernet finish? Nowhere to be found. Instead, there's this spicy kick that hints at a higher rye mashbill.
But just like before, give it a few minutes, and it's back to overpowering oak.
THE FINISH:
This is what originally made me buy this bottle, but this time it was very disappointing.
Dry, harsh, and overwhelmingly oaky.
Nothing like the sweet jam flavors that reminded me of Midwinter Night’s Dram from my original pour.
BUY OR PASS?
If this was a review after my first pour, I'd be singing its praises from the rooftops. But sadly, it seems I may have caught it on an off night.
Here's hoping a different night brings a different story. If it does, you can bet I'll be back to update this review! So maybe the best thing to say is “Stay tuned!”
