High West Bourye / 2026
The Stats
- Distillery: High West Distillery
- Location: Park City / Wanship, Utah
- Type: Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys
- Proof: 101 (50.5% ALC/VOL)
- Age: 10–19 Years
- Mash Bill: Multiple, Blend Ratios Undisclosed
- Batch: 26A22
- Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
- Release: Annual / Limited
- Price: $125
Arthur has visited High West Distillery in Utah, and it's one of those places that sticks with you. Beautiful mountain scenery, a great atmosphere, and a distillery that never shies away from doing things a little differently.
Take Bourye. Half bourbon, half rye in spirit, though not necessarily in equal measure. Even the name sounds like something that shouldn't exist. Then again, there's a jackalope on the label, so High West is clearly in on the joke.
For 2026, the jackalope has a little more kick. High West bumped Bourye from its familiar 92 proof to 101 proof. That's a welcome change for a whiskey built around mature bourbon and rye. We generally like seeing older whiskey get a little more strength, but does the extra proof improve the drinking experience?
The Whiskey Behind the Bottle
High West was founded in 2006 and became Utah's first legal distillery since Prohibition. The brand built much of its reputation on blending sourced whiskey, and Bourye has been part of that story since 2009.
The 2026 release brings together four different whiskeys, ranging from 10 to 19 years old. The blend includes bourbon and rye sourced from MGP alongside rye distilled by High West itself.
That's an interesting combination. High West blends whiskey from different distilleries, mash bills, and ages to create something neither bourbon nor rye could achieve on its own.
And while 101 proof isn't quite barrel-strength territory, it's a meaningful increase over previous releases. More importantly, it gives all that mature whiskey a little more presence in the glass.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Bright orange and vanilla lead the way, followed by oak, clove, and a slightly grainy character. The lively citrus contrasts nicely with the mature oak, with enough spice to remind you rye is part of the equation.
Taste
Sweetness arrives first, with orange, grilled peaches, and baking spices joining the party. Vanilla and oak round things out, creating a nice balance between the fruitier bourbon notes and the spice of rye. The oak is noticeable without stealing the show.
Finish
Lingering sweetness, seasoned oak, and baking spices carry through the finish. The spice hangs around just long enough to make you consider another sip.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
8 / 10 - Very Good
Bourye 2026 is a very good whiskey, and we both landed at an 8. There's plenty to enjoy here. Bright citrus, sweet fruit, baking spices, and mature oak give the blend an interesting personality. The increase to 101 proof is a welcome move, especially considering the age of the whiskey involved.
What we appreciate most is that Bourye doesn't feel like a bourbon trying to be a rye, or the other way around. It's a blend with its own identity, and High West deserves credit for that.
Buy or Skip:
Buy
At around $125, Bourye isn't an everyday pour, but there's plenty to appreciate in a blend of well-aged bourbon and rye. If you enjoy mature oak, sweetness, and spice, this is worth exploring. If you're chasing maximum proof or value, there are better options for the money.
The extra proof is a welcome change, and High West has delivered another very good Bourye. The jackalope still has some kick.
Where Does It Rank?
Every whiskey we review is scored using the same 10-point scale, making it easy to compare bottles across styles, distilleries, and price points. Explore our complete whiskey rankings to see how every bottle stacks up.
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Product Features
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Ultra-soft 100% combed, ring-spun cotton
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Care Instructions
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Machine wash cold (max 30C / 90F)
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Tumble dry low or hang dry
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Do not bleach
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Iron on low heat if needed
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Do not dry clean
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