Review: High West Bourye (2026)

As David wrote in his 2025 review, High West’s Bourye has build a bit of a cult following — and deservedly so. This ever-evolving blend of bourbon and rye from some combination of Indiana, Kentucky, and Utah is one of the most reliable American whiskeys on the market, and it’s a whiskey I never turn down the chance to taste when I happen upon a bottle.

For 2026, Bourye has a new trick up its sleeve: It’s moving up the abv ladder, with a 101 proof presentation vs. the more typical 92. The mashbill hasn’t changed much, though 2026’s release leans more into MGP, with no Kentucky stock in the mix. Officially, you’re getting an undisclosed mix of the following:

Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt from MGP
Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley from MGP
Straight Rye Whiskey: 95% rye, 5% barley malt from MGP
Straight Rye Whiskey: 80% rye, 20% malted rye from High West

At least some of the whiskeys in the blend are at least 10 years old.

Let’s tuck in.

High West Bourye (2026) Review

Classic Bourye, with a twist, greets the drinker: Lots of fruit on the nose, a mix of orange and apricot, then plenty of vanilla and caramel. The rye takes more of a back seat this year — and that’s fine with me — as the whiskey makes room for sweeter fare. Caramel and dark chocolate make an impact on the nose, but they’re tempered by a healthy shake of rye-driven cinnamon and a duskier clove note. On the whole, it’s quite balanced and inviting.

The palate is brisk and clearly racier than prior Bouryes at 50.5% abv, with an instant pop of ginger and orange peel, then cinnamon and more clove. Some alpine cedar soon creeps into the mix — I like to think this is High West’s juice showing itself, but who knows. The baking spice builds to a crescendo, then a more bluntly peppery edge pulls things in another direction, hinting at anise. The finish is surprisingly earthy and grounded, with warming notes of lavender and tea leaf saying goodbye with a warm hug.

The higher proof is a great choice for this whiskey, though I would not at all mind seeing it vary from year to year — even higher and even lower than 92 proof. It’s like they say: abv is only a number. They say that, right?

101 proof. Batch#26A21.

A / $125 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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