A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 11 Rye Whiskey Review! Still Worth It?

[@TheMashandDrum]

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[@robertshay9235]

Sagamore port was my rye of the year for 2022. It’s so darn good. They just released another batch on Friday too. Cheers

[@69CamaroSS]

Agreed….their double barrel is simply amazing!!

[@mackmcgill-e6v]

The new batch is amazing!!! The 3 years in port barrels kicked it up a notch.

[@matthewdohrmann]

I love Sagamore Spirit. The 8-year rye is amazing. I have mixed feelings about the double oaked. I saw the rum cask finish in a store this past weekend, but I didn't buy it. I might head back and grab it though.

[@jeremybamgbade]

Double oaked tastes like bourbon, which is fine, but personally when I reach for a Rye, it's because I want something that doesn't taste like straight up bourbon.

[@robertharper2158]

I stopped hunting them 2 years ago. I will take Sagamore any day!

[@Jagermeizer]

Awesome review! I was able to find one in Maryland for $125.00 I enjoy this pour. Too bad it’s gone up in price. I’ve seen them shelved at $200

[@reldey3900]

I went by my local shop, and they still have a case sitting there. Seems like it was over-produced maybe, but good that it is out there for people that want it.

[@RK-ow1zg]

That’s the way it should be. If it sits around for a month or so, that means they made just the right amount.

[@MichaelJ-fn5pl]

Straight up, honest review. I appreciate it. Cheers, my friend!

[@scotttaubert5015]

Love your honest approach to the reviews. And thanks for the alternatives. Need to find that Sagamore

[@BigVicsBackYardBS]

@Zbiotics is the best stuff that has come out so far to me 🤙🏽🥃

[@salata95]

Loved the review I saw it in a few stores over thanksgiving around 155 and passed I can’t bring myself to pay that for under 100 proof

[@drewambler1235]

249.99 is what I saw and suffice to say, it is still available

[@toddplaner8953]

Have 7, 8, and 9. Bought all for $80. Didn't buy 10 because it was $150 and wasn't good. Sounds like the same with 11. Batch 8 still the best so far.

[@timbuma3693]

Sagamore is the best port finish in my opinion. They just released one at the distillery this past weekend for $99.

[@sugarkitty4777]

And if you're lucky enough to have caught it and be in one of the few states HW can ship too, they were selling them directly on line for $125.

[@davidjohnson8930]

It wasn't just released. It's a release from earlier this year.

[@bourbonbill]

@@davidjohnson8930nope that was last years 2022 this years 2023 batch was released Black Friday at sagamore I just released a review on it today

[@nr7702]

They just did their next batch release this last week. I got one

[@jimreichel1466]

Nice review. For me, my go to port finished rye is Milam & Greene. At $43 it is a real steal even at 94 proof. I don't need high proof when there is great flavor with a very good price and value.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

By the way your tasting notes are spot on especially that sweet tobacco on the back end.

[@lifebreath77]

I’ve been a fan for years, but agree with your value statements. I saw it on the shelf today for $399. I can afford it, but won’t buy because it’s not unique enough to command a huge premium. Too many really good alternatives at reasonable prices. I did buy a bottle of George T Stagg from the same store for a hefty premium- more than I would like but less than many places. I’m willing to pony up for something that’s exceptional and unique that I won’t see in my state at what I’d like to pay. But Midwinter is off my buy list now.

[@sugarkitty4777]

I would have liked to also have a comparison with Act 9 which I thought was quite a bit better than Act 10. Interesting to hear Four Gate mentioned when their bottles are even higher at $199. Personally, I'm still nursing a Port Knight Rises.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Well four gate is higher in price, however it's cask strength and age stated. Yeah it's probably still too high but it slaps midwinter's

[@PalParkTigers]

@@TheMashandDrumpiggybacking in sugar kitting, does 11 beat 9?

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@PalParkTigers I'll have to try that and get back to ya. It's been a while

[@Nokomisclub]

I agree with your take 100%. I got one at retail, but really thought about it, and only bought one. Likely my last for the exact reasons you mentioned

[@100puremustard5]

Agree 100% I just passed on a bottle of this at retail $150 and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I do want to find a bottle og that Sagamorer though 😂

[@100puremustard5]

Re: Just saw this bottle at Costco $130, still passed on it 😂

[@benpacheco243]

Just bought a backup. I’m a fan

[@mackmcgill-e6v]

Sagamore port finish batch 3 blows these away. 6 year rye aged for 3 years in port. Crazy profile. The new batch went up because of the extended aging in port. They're in the 100 dollar range now.

[@danielgresh4741]

Do you know if any stores might have it here in Cbus?

[@jacksmith2315]

Ya, i started collecting this year, always wanted to try MWND. Once it came out at $150, i suddenly lost interest. Even seen some at $140. Still didnt bother. My brother bought one so i got to try it, ya, didnt care much for it. Its not bad, just not worth it. Especially now that theres more stock, easier to find, yet price still goes up, ya, all set s that. Great vid bud

[@bourbonbill]

You were generous lol. I thought Act 11 was a little dill forward for me it’s better than 10 I agree. I just reviewed the sagamore 2023 port release today on my channel and it’s playing about 5 leagues above this high west not even close

[@TheMashandDrum]

Can't wait to get that one. Even the first sagamore slays this midwinter's

[@TetsuoIronMan]

You get a sub just for being in Columbus, I'm in Dayton myself. Good stuff.

[@877-MASH-NOW]

Cedar Ridge has a really good port finished rye (IMO) for under $60.00 that I think would give the MWND a run. WHISKEY CHEERS 😎

[@chrismorin1047]

Great video as always! Definitely have let this one fall off my radar. After a couple meh releases, I stopped hunting MWND. Like you said, so many more affordable and delicious options on the market.

[@Mrslaunter2be]

Saw it at Safeway for $160 and passed knowing I can buy two bottles of something that would be very enjoyable. Thanks for supporting my decision because that bottle is gone now.

[@coordi]

At 180-190,000 bottles I just can't get behind the price on this non-age stated release.

[@whiskeywithe7907]

Probably some thing for the whiskey collector for 20yrs from now act 11 may be a pricey non age statement ..learning from Johnny walker..lol non drinkers C the blue and think it's the best scotch..not knowing blended.eo maybe as a drinker 270 for this bottle in Australia...wonder how much sagamore is..😅

[@marcwhiskey]

It's insane how big distribution of this is now and people still go out of their way to pay way over SRP. It's not exactly readily available but it's much easier to find than even a couple years ago.

[@SonChivo]

129 per bottle in my area in California.

[@jakedobbs9962]

I trade 2 1792 sweet wheats for one yesterday, that I got for $32 a piece. For an act 11. So I got my act 11 for $64 lol… I’ll take it.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

It's a nice pour it's very creamy and the flavors are deep and dark and a nice experience. 150? No totally worth 80 to 90 but that's it.

[@philc1884]

Nice review, dude. I've sampled 2 batches and don't get it. Cloyingly sweet, too much cinnamon and very short finish. Good for HW for the hype that's developed approaching Blanton's silliness. I'll stick with the regular Rendezvous which is fabulous. Cheers J!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Well said

[@GerthBrooks-1985]

Don’t forget about the ultimate alternative….Starlight “An Indiana Night’s Dram!”

[@LeatherDaddy97]

It could be the best midwinters theyve made, im not spending $150 on it. Too much good finished whiskey out there to justify this price.

[@UltrahotPeppers]

Yeah it was $170 where I live and there are many good ryes even unfinished that are $70.

[@smoothest485]

Like what

[@UltrahotPeppers]

@@smoothest485 Well let's start with Limousin Rye 117 proof from Dancing Goat Distillery. Technically I guess it's finished because of the French oak but it's also made in Wisconsin and it was $55 lol! Sipping a nice pour right now, cheers!

[@red5standingby419]

@@smoothest485 What do you mean like what? Did you even watch the video? He gave several suggestions of alternatives.

[@johnwill7962]

@@UltrahotPeppersyou’d never catch me buying something from a distillery called Dancing Goat

[@justinsitko8103]

I got this at retail a few years ago for $90. Then i thought it was overpriced but at $179 which is what i am seeing it at in NY, its not worth the buy anymore.

[@DavidBurkett-x5d]

179 retail in Illinois

[@brentworls8509]

I hope the $140+ that I paid for this satisfies my FOMO last year. Looking forward to cracking it around Christmas.

[@whatsthepoint170]

The available in my state (CO) has been pretty outstanding, which goes to show the lack of enthusiasm for this bottle IMO. For a LE at this price tag, they’re gonna have to start adding some age statements, finishing time and other whiskey nerd stats.

[@MdubMedia]

Ironically I just saw 6 bottles of scene 2 today on the shelf for $155. It was an easy pass but this review validates that decision. I have the 8 year sagamore and think it’s great. I def want to try others now. Would rather buy two more of those instead of one of these.

[@sirjcc]

last year costco's 115 price on this was still OK (big chains at 150). This year my TW wants 170 and I just said "no I'm done with this"

[@B1gC4st]

This is the largest release ever...and I saw a bottle at a store for 300. Only bottle I've seen! Not even at Costco! Whoa, what other port finished Rye can I get right now? NVM, Sagamore just announced release of the 2023 batch, phew!

[@Pogue4]

I want a bottle of this bad but just cant pull the trigger.

[@stevenbell4623]

Love me some zbiotics it works!

[@k.johnson2722]

act 9 was great but it wasn’t 150$ either lol. i passed on 11 a few times at the towers drop in atl last friday. why grab mwnd for 162 when bday bourbon, parker’s heritage, thomas h handy, michters 10 and so many other great ryes are better at that price

[@nickp5511]

Nice, I just saw this at Costco yesterday for 126.00 plus tax! Maybe go back and grab one?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Save your money and get a sagamore port instead. It's releasing soon

[@nickp5511]

@@TheMashandDrum sounds good! One of my favorite rye’s is Sagamore PX! I have a store pick and six other offerings from them and they are all great!

[@ericpevey2636]

A couple of years ago MWND could be had for around $100. At around ~$169 (in my area) it was a hard pass for me. Better finished whiskeys out there (imo) for a lot less.

[@Josh_Stringer]

I'm passing this year. I'm sure it's really good and I've seen it on the shelf quite a bit (in GA). But the price is too much. I'm tired of feeding the machine. Give me Sagamore all day long.

[@hyseptu1733]

Not going to hunt for this.. might pay for a pour or simply trade pours at a bottle share like we did last year. 😊

[@apolloguitars]

Done with Midwinter

[@brooksreed9609]

Didn’t like the 11 as much as the 9 and 10, not sure what note I was getting in this newest batch but wasn’t fond of it

[@josephpowell7998]

The prices of Bourbon/Whiskey just keeps climbing higher and higher. It's getting straight up ridiculous 😢

[@jakeizlove]

I’m becoming progressively annoyed with price increases. I paid $85 for Act 9 scene 3. I have a bottle of Act 11 on hold but may pass.

[@AVERAGEWHISKEYDRINKER]

For me....11 Scene 12 was meh.....BUT you have this - POOR MAN'S MIDWINTER'S NIGHT'S DRAM - 63% Rendezvous Rye / 34% High Rye! / 1.5% Tawny Port / 1.5% Ruby Port - ENJOY !!!

[@TheMashandDrum]

I will give it a go!

[@ingramjames1988]

Not worth it for the bogus sky high prices from our local retailers. Last years bottle was set at 300 dollars. Cant afford it anymore.

[@nicholasgarcia7830]

$130 at Costco right now

[@TheBourbonJerk]

This feels like a skip all day for me. Gimme that Sagamore instead. Cheers Jason!

[@robertbooth3367]

Unfortunately, Midwinter's Night Dram has been $200+ for the last 3 years around here. Mostly $299+ last year, so NOPE. The Sagamore stands toe to toe at $75 so not even a tough choice. At $150 - maybe - just for nostalgic days but otherwise a solid pass. Great whiskey that has priced itself out of contention. Truly unfortunate

[@clemonsjoey]

Saw it at the store a couple weeks ago, but for $150 I had to pass, not worth that price tag for me!

[@red5standingby419]

The main argument they had on the price increase was the limited nature of the release. I can't see how they can justify the higher price when they produced nearly 200,000 bottles. And people are still paying it. LOL

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah that's a lot of bottles to be perceived as limited. Lol

[@blakenaylor1983]

I used to pay $79.99 for MWND I’m not paying $150 Not happening I’m done hunting it

[@nateduncan9182]

Agreed skipped it this year. Priced too high. They are getting greedy for a Non Aged Stated product.

[@raivkka4313]

Every time I spend over $100.00 for a bottle of whiskey, I'm usually disappointed. Just too many good options for 50-80.

[@stevefromchicago8277]

2022 Act 10 much better than Act 11

[@umami0247]

Just not worth the cost. I’ll pass all day. Secondary is ridiculous as all of the secondary market is. I’ll stick with sagamore rye. Much more available and it’s affordable. The double Oaked rye is my jam.

[@HamTurkey]

There are to many alternatives for me to bother spending 150 on these. I'm sure its great but yea...

[@WayneSmith-qt2td]

I feel like it’s just the going trend that whiskey is just getting overpriced overall for limited releases. People keep buying them so why not keep pricing them $150+ Terrible. Take Elijah Craig 18 for example, when barrel proof is also cheaper and wayyy tastier!

[@ozo012]

190,000 in the wild and yet a higher price from HW and still attempted to be sold at secondary prices. Hard pass

[@CAT3616G]

I saw this bottle all over the place just sitting due to the price, just couldn’t justify picking one up.

[@hoaksone1]

Bought at the High West Saloon for 125.

[@serapheum]

Sag port does not, IMO, come to the level of MWND

[@red5standingby419]

LOL

[@johncrew5897]

100 was fair. 150 pass

[@tybae]

Yeah I have yet to have a high $ HW product that is worth it. They are too overpriced for what they are and there’s too many other producers out there out performing HW at lower prices and higher proof.

[@YoJimBo851610]

284👍

[@wg5768]

Another over hyped and priced whiskey! Look for Barrell products, Widow Jane Decadence and Penelope Rio. All are less money.