High West High Country is the distillery’s American single malt, and it is a bottle we are happy to pour for the curious drinker at Camp West in West Seattle. American single malt is one of the most exciting categories in whiskey right now, and High Country is High West’s distinctly Rocky Mountain take on it, distilled and matured high up in the Wasatch range. For a cabin bar that loves to introduce guests to something a little off the beaten path, it is a natural fit.
About the Distillery
High West was founded in 2006 by David and Jane Perkins in Park City, Utah, the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. While the brand is famous for its blends, High Country is a showcase of what High West makes entirely in-house, copper-pot distilled and blended at altitude in the mountains of Utah.
Style & Mash Bill
High Country is a 100 percent malted barley single malt, in keeping with the American single malt style. It is built around a base malt with a tri-malt component that includes caramel and chocolate malts for added color and depth. It is distilled entirely on copper pot stills, aged for a span of several years, and bottled unfiltered. As a rotating release, exact age and proof can vary by batch, but the malt-forward, robust character is consistent.
Tasting Notes
Expect a rich, malty profile: fig jam on toast, honeyed cereal, cracked walnut, and cedar on the nose, moving into crème caramel custard, almond, toasted biscuit, and a touch of banana on the palate. The finish carries cola, chocolate wafer, and ginger marmalade. On-the-grain distillation gives it a heavier, more flavor-forward mouthfeel than many single malts.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
We recommend High Country neat to appreciate the roasted malt character, or with a single large rock to soften it slightly. It is a sipping whiskey rather than a mixer. Our pour is listed at $25.
FAQ
What is American single malt?
A whiskey made at a single U.S. distillery from 100 percent malted barley. High Country is High West’s version, distilled and aged in Utah.
How is it different from Scotch single malt?
It uses American oak and altitude maturation and is distilled on-the-grain, giving it a heavier, roastier, more flavor-forward profile than many Scotch malts.
Ready to try it? Book a table, browse our full whiskey list, or see the complete beverage menu.