Sips & Sites & Bites

If sipping whiskey could speak, The Prisoner’s Share would recite poetry … lush, layered, and just a touch rebellious.

High West Distillery, the Park City, Utah-based maestro of mountain-crafted whiskey, just dropped the 2025 release of The Prisoner’s Share, and it’s already whispering its secrets to lucky collectors and slow-sipping aficionados across the country.

Officially available nationwide in limited quantities as of June 1, this heady blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys … aged 4 to 12 years … is finished in The Prisoner Red Wine barrels, where spirit meets brooding Napa soul.

Wine Barrels. Whiskey Brilliance.

The first iteration of The Prisoner’s Share debuted in 2022, and with each release, High West proves the alchemy of finishing whiskey in red wine barrels is more than just a trend … it’s an art form.

This year’s blend dives deep into complexity, starting with an intricate mash bill:

• 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley (MGP)
• 60% corn, 40% rye (BBC)
• 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley (Kentucky)
• 95% rye, 5% malted barley (MGP)
• 80% rye, 20% malted rye (High West’s own make)

In the glass, it’s bottled at a sturdy 51% ABV, unchill-filtered to preserve texture, only receiving particulate filtration at bottling, because good whiskey doesn’t need its edges softened.

The Nose & Palate: An Autumn Hike in a Crystal Glass

Lift the glass and you’re greeted with a parade of aromas: tart pomegranate kernels, cranberry biscotti, pecan brittle, orange zest, and a whiff of tanned leather tucked in a cedar closet. Then, a note of cinnamon bark and a touch of light roast espresso hint at the richness to come.

Take a sip, and it’s a full sensory symphony. Picture Montmorency cherries and raspberry preserves layered over brioche toast. Swirls of cacao nibs and brown butter caramel follow, supported by roasted chestnuts and the delicate grip of seasoned French Oak. There’s even a whisper of bergamot tea … a soft, citrus-kissed reminder that this spirit has patience and polish.

The finish lingers like a favorite line from a classic novel: black currant jam kissed by subtle rye spice. It’s not a sprint, it’s a slow burn.

The Sip Worth Seeking

With a suggested retail price of $174.99 and limited nationwide availability, The Prisoner’s Share is a whiskey for those who collect stories, not just bottles. Whether you’re pairing it with a fireside moment or savoring a dram during a summer dusk, this year’s expression is pure craftsmanship wrapped in intrigue.

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Sip Tip: Serve neat in a tulip glass to let those wine barrel notes truly bloom. Want to impress at your next tasting party? Offer a square of dark chocolate or a slice of toasted brioche to echo the notes in the pour.