Sips & Sites & Bites

There are few annual whiskey releases that stir up as much anticipation (and poetic flair) as High West Distillery’s A Midwinter Night’s Dram. Each fall, the Utah-based distillery unveils a new “Act” in the beloved series … and this year’s Act 13 might just be the most enchanting performance yet.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this limited-edition rye is all about capturing the fleeting magic of the season … a toast to long evenings, crisp air, and the comfort of a good pour by the fire. Built from High West’s flagship Rendezvous Rye, a blend of straight rye whiskeys aged between 4 and 10 years, A Midwinter Night’s Dram is then finished in Ruby and Tawny Port barrels. The result? A whiskey layered with depth, drama, and a touch of winter wonder.

The distiller notes that at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV), Act 13 opens with a nose of crushed blackberries, mandarin zest, almond shortbread, and fig jam, with a whisper of old vine zinfandel weaving through. Take a sip, and it’s a story of marionberry preserves, chocolate-dripped cherries, and marbled rye bread, followed by a finale of mochaccino cinnamon bark, oolong tea, winter pine, and a smoldering Havana cigar. The finish lingers like the last line of a play … velvety and spiced, with chai foam, clove-studded orange, and soft ginger chew.

Priced at $149.99, Act 13 is available in limited quantities nationwide and online via HighWest.com