High West x The Prisoner: The Prisoner's Share Whiskey Review

🎙️ DadDimes on the Rocks – Episode: “High West x The Prisoner: The Prisoner's Share Whiskey”

Welcome back, bourbon fans! Today, we’re reviewing a standout from High West in collaboration with The Prisoner Wine Company—The Prisoner's Share. A bold blend of whiskey finished in red wine barrels, this limited-release expression has stirred both excitement—and debate. Let’s dive into what makes it unique and whether it holds up to its hype with our special guest, Rob Martin.

🧪 The Backstory & Concept

• What it is: A blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys (aged 4–15 years), finished in French oak casks that previously held The Prisoner Red Blend wine
• Proof: ~102 (51% ABV) 
• Limited run: Launched in 2022, with 2023 being the likely final batch .

👃 Nose

• Expect a red fruit explosion—maraschino cherries, strawberries, raspberries—balanced by heavier spice notes like cinnamon, clove, white pepper, and floral accents.

👄 Palate

• Starts fruity (apricot, plum, pear), transitions to rich caramel and toasted nuts, with classic rye spices like allspice, sage, and black pepper.
• Wine barrel influence gives it a jammy character—maculated red fruit, black pepper, sweet oak, cocoa, and blood orange.
• Some describe it as more rye-forward than bourbon-forward, with cinnamon, mint, brown sugar, cherry cola, and tobacco.

🧭 Finish

• Long, warmly spicy, semi-dry with lingering red fruit, herbal mint, cinnamon, gingerbread, pumpernickel—folding into oak, leather, and peppermint accents .

🎯 Who It’s For

• You love cask-finished bourbon but want fruit-forward depth.
• You enjoy both bourbon and high-rye whiskey—this blend offers complexity.
• You’re curious about innovative finishes and willing to try something different.

⚠️ Consider the Price

• MSRP was around $175, though some stores sold out quickly or jacked prices to $300+
• Many feel it delivers, but value is subjective—especially when compared to other High West staples like Midwinter Night’s Dram 

✅ Final Verdict

The Prisoner’s Share is a bold experiment—and for the most part, it works. It delivers rich layers of red fruit, spice, oak, and depth from its wine-finish. However, price remains the sticking point: great if you find it near MSRP, questionable over $200.

⭐ Rating: 4/5 – Distinctive, compelling, and enjoyable, but best purchased with a fair price.

That’s our pour for today. If you’re intrigued by deep, fruit-driven whiskey finishes and can find it at a solid price, give The Prisoner’s Share a taste. Let us know if you loved it or passed—either way, the whiskey's story is worth exploring. Cheers! 🥃

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