High West Midwinter Nights Dram Act 8

A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 8. High West — the eighth annual release of the port-finished rye series, Utah straight rye whiskey finished in French oak port wine casks and French Limousin oak, a late-series collector’s bottle that benefits from the accumulated craftsmanship of seven prior releases.

Act 8 arrives in a period where Midwinter Night’s Dram had become one of the most anticipated allocated whiskeys in American craft spirits. The whiskey maintains the series’ DNA: High West’s straight rye blend, carefully selected French oak port wine casks, and the fine-grained tannin contribution of Limousin oak — producing the holiday warmth, dark fruit, and rye spice that define every Act in the archive. Act 8 is a strong choice for collectors who missed earlier releases and want a series bottle without the significant secondary market premium of Acts 1–5.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Brandied cherries, Calimyrna figs, allspice, grapefruit zest, French oak, vanilla caramel
• Palate: Dark cherry, cocoa, cinnamon, spiced plum, rye spice, port sweetness, dried fruit
• Finish: Warming rye spice, dark cherry, cocoa, lingering port sweetness

Specs

• Distillery: High West Distillery, Park City, Utah
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey, Port Cask Finished
• Finish: French oak port wine casks + French Limousin oak
• Series: A Midwinter Night’s Dram — Act 8
• ABV: 49.3% (98.6 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse the full High West collection at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What tasting notes define Midwinter Night’s Dram? Dark cherry, cocoa, dried plum, cinnamon, and black pepper — the port cask sweetness and rye spice in the series’ characteristic balance.
• Is Act 8 better value than earlier Acts for drinkers? Yes — for those primarily motivated by the whiskey rather than collector value, later Acts deliver the same core experience at a fraction of the secondary market cost of Acts 1–3.
• What is the best way to enjoy Midwinter Night’s Dram? Neat at room temperature or with a very small amount of water — the port and rye complexity opens beautifully without ice.