High West's Limited-Edition New Whiskey Was Aged In Special Barrels for a Spicy, Elegant Flavor

High West Distillery and Casa Noble tequila have come together to create a rye whiskey finished in Marques Añejo Tequila barrels, dubbed The Noble Share—a not-so-subtle allusion to angel's share, alcohol that evaporates from barrels while aging.

Tequila barrel-aged whiskey isn't uncommon these days. But in the case of Noble Share, there’s something spicy, yet elegant going on. The rye aged nicely in Casa Noble’s Marques Añejo French oak barrels, which the seventh-generation tequila maker marched out a little over two years ago when introducing its limited-edition Marqués de Casa Noble Tequila.

The Noble Share is a blend of rye whiskeys ranging from four to 10 years old. That includes one from High West—made from 80 percent rye and 20 percent malted rye—and a rye from Indiana-based producer MGP with a mash bill of 95 percent rye and five percent malted barley. The whiskeys were then finished in tequila barrels for six months, while part of the blend was finished in amburana barrels.

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The resulting whiskey has aromas of mango, ruby grapefruit, and spiced apple cider, while the palate features flavors of baked pear, charred peaches, ginger molasses, orange blossom, and fried churro. The tequila barrels provided additional notes of agave, lemongrass, and vanilla, while the amburana added a touch of cinnamon.

“This collaboration is something that will appeal to both whiskey and tequila connoisseurs,” says Tara Lindley, director of sensory quality assurance and new product development at High West. “The dichotomy of the brands and their respective regions is reflected on the label, mirroring one another yet displaying their vastly different geographies. This is an exciting collaboration for the spirits community, and High West is honored to blend its whiskey traditions with Casa Noble’s heritage and offer this new expression to consumers.”

Bottled at 52 percent ABV, High West x Casa Noble The Noble Share is priced at $175 per bottle and available in limited quantities at High West General Store in Old Town Park City, UT; High West Distillery on Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, UT; or Utah state liquor stores.

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