About 50 years ago (so it feels, but it’s really a year or so ago I think – correct me if i am Wrong, Sjoerd) my mate Sjoerd who writes the brilliant whisky blog – Malt Fascination, and a very cool dude, arranged another one of his famous bottle shares. Meaning, he buys a few bottles of good whisky, and then we split it up between 14 people, each paying his share, and thus gaining access to 10 lovely whiskies, he would rather taste before buying, or ones he can’t really taste otherwise. This time it was an American themed share, with 10 lovely whiskeys. Needless to say I took my time, and since I have a few other samples all lined to be tasted, I did not get to try all those until very recently (I tried 2 or 3 so far, so more to go). I chose to begin with this one, as Sjoerd recommended it and It sounded lovely.
American Prairie Reserve is named after the 5,000 square mile wildlife reserve in north-eastern Montana, the largest in the lower 48 states. High West are also donating 10% of post tax profits from this whiskey to the project.
This is a small-batch blend of two straight Bourbons, a 6 year from Seagrams in 
Lawrenceberg, Indiana and a 10 year old from Four Roses with a higher rye content in the mashbill by comparison:
6 year old Bourbon: Mashbill of 75% Corn, 20% rye, 5% barley malt.
10 year old Bourbon: Mashbill of 60% Corn, 35% rye, and 5% barley malt.
A blend sounds lovely, let’s try this one.
High West American Prairie Reserve , 46% abv , £49
Nose: nicely balanced Ruth sweet spices , acetone, caramel and cinnamon flavoured cherries.
Palate: certainly feels powerful. Much more than it’s 46%. Sweet with chocolate , vanilla , chilly and spices. Some honey towards the finish as well as rich dark cherries.
Finish : Medium long-ish with chocolate,and some of those cherries.
This is a tasty more-ish whiskey no doubt. One of the better American whiskies I’ve tried recently (and I did try a few). Good stuff . If the price was $49 I’d get one STAT.