High West Bourbon 1.75L

High West Bourbon 1.75L is a blended straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 1.75-liter format. What distinguishes this expression is its proprietary three-bourbon blend incorporating whiskeys aged 2, 6, and 13 years from multiple distilleries — an approach that earned a Double Gold Medal at the Fifty Best competition in 2015 and 92 points from the Sunset International Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Park City, Utah, USA  |  Blended Straight Bourbon (minimum 2 years)  |  Distillery: High West Distillery

Production & Heritage

High West Distillery, founded in Park City, Utah, holds the distinction of being the first legal distillery in the state since Prohibition. Known as the world's only ski-in gastro-distillery, the operation has built its reputation on expertly blending sourced and house-made whiskeys. High West Bourbon brings together three distinct straight bourbons: a 2-year bourbon from MGP Ingredients in Indiana (mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% barley malt), a 6-year Kentucky bourbon, and a 13-year Kentucky bourbon. All components are aged in charred new white American oak barrels, and the final blend is non-chill-filtered to preserve body and flavor complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel and melted butter arrive first, followed by fresh-cut apple and a subtle lift of orange zest. The nose carries a warmth that hints at the older bourbon components in the blend.

Taste: The entry is sweet and approachable, with candy corn, honey nougat, and sweet cornbread biscuits coating the palate. Mid-palate, lemon zest and light buttery viscosity add dimension. Dry oak emerges toward the peak alongside toasted nuts and a spicy cinnamon note that reflects the high-rye mashbill of the MGP component.

Finish: Medium-long, with caramel apple, pecan pie, and vanilla lingering steadily. The non-chill-filtered character lends a slightly richer texture that carries these flavors without abrupt drop-off.

How to Drink High West Bourbon

At 92 proof and non-chill-filtered, this bourbon holds up well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens the honey and baking spice notes further. It also performs reliably in cocktails:

• Old Fashioned — The caramel and orange zest character integrates naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, requiring minimal adjustment.
• Bourbon Sour — The honey nougat sweetness and lemon zest in the spirit complement fresh citrus juice without being overwhelmed by it.
• Pecan Pie Manhattan — Swap sweet vermouth for a pecan liqueur alongside this bourbon's existing nutty, vanilla-forward profile for a dessert-leaning riff.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly bourbon in a large format
• Hosting gatherings where bourbon will be served across multiple drinks and serves
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates blended American whiskey
• Exploring multi-age blended bourbons as an alternative to single-distillery expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does High West Bourbon taste like? High West Bourbon delivers caramel, honey nougat, and sweet cornbread biscuit flavors on the palate, followed by dry oak, toasted nuts, and a cinnamon spice note. The finish features lingering caramel apple, pecan pie, and vanilla.

How does High West Bourbon compare to Kooper Sweetheart of the Rodeo? Both expressions draw from MGP-distilled bourbon and sit at a similar price tier, but High West Bourbon blends in 6-year and 13-year Kentucky bourbons that add oak depth and complexity absent in a purely MGP-sourced product. The result is a more layered, multi-dimensional whiskey with noticeable aged character from the older components.

Is High West Bourbon good for cocktails? Yes — at 92 proof and non-chill-filtered, it carries enough flavor intensity and body to stand up in stirred drinks like an Old Fashioned and shaken drinks like a Bourbon Sour without getting lost beneath other ingredients.

Where is High West Bourbon made? High West Bourbon is blended and bottled at High West Distillery in Park City, Utah. The blend incorporates bourbon distilled at MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, as well as bourbon sourced from Kentucky distilleries.

What foods pair well with High West Bourbon? Pecan pie complements the bourbon's existing nutty, caramel finish. Smoked pork ribs match its oak and spice. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts its sweetness. Apple cobbler echoes the fresh-cut apple aromatics. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the honey nougat and vanilla notes.

What sizes does High West Bourbon come in? High West Bourbon is available in a standard 750ml bottle and the 1.75-liter handle format featured here, making the larger size well suited for high-volume home bars or entertaining.

Is High West Bourbon worth the price? High West Bourbon positions as a mid-range blended straight bourbon that punches above its tier by incorporating aged components up to 13 years old — an uncommon practice at this price level. Its Double Gold Medal and 92-point competition score support its value standing within the category.

Why High West Bourbon?

The defining strength of this bourbon is the three-age blend itself: very few expressions at this price point integrate a 13-year-old component alongside younger, higher-rye whiskeys to achieve both depth and liveliness. Non-chill filtration preserves the full mouthfeel that many competing blends sacrifice for visual clarity. High West Distillery's track record of award-winning blends — this one earning a Double Gold at the Fifty Best and 92 points at the Sunset International Spirits Competition — reflects a disciplined blending philosophy rather than reliance on a single barrel or age statement. In the 1.75-liter format, it delivers serious versatility for both neat sipping and cocktail use without compromise.