High West has launched its newest iteration of The Prisoner’s Share, a distinctive whiskey that showcases the distillery’s expertise in wine barrel finishing. The limited release became available nationwide as of June 1st, priced at $174.99.
This year’s expression combines straight bourbon and rye whiskeys finished in The Prisoner Red Wine Barrels for four to 12 years. The unique finishing process creates a complex flavor profile that sets this release apart from traditional American whiskeys.
High West The Prisoner’s Share 2025
Since its original launch in 2022, The Prisoner’s Share has demonstrated the transformative effects of red wine barrel finishing on American whiskey. The wine barrels impart distinctive characteristics that complement the underlying bourbon and rye components.
The whiskey features a complex blend of five different mash bills, including MGP-sourced whiskeys alongside High West’s own production. These range from a high-corn bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) to a high-rye whiskey (95% rye, 5% malted barley), with High West’s own 80% rye, 20% malted rye whiskey contributing to the final blend.
According to the official tasting notes, the whiskey presents “Montmorency cherries, raspberry preserves on brioche toast, cacao nibs, brown butter caramel, roasted chestnuts, bergamot tea, and seasoned French Oak” on the palate. The nose offers “pomegranate kernels, cranberry biscotti, pecan brittle, orange zest, cinnamon bark, light roast espresso, tanned leather from a cedar closet.”
Bottled at 102 proof (51% ABV), The Prisoner’s Share undergoes particulate filtration at bottling but avoids chill filtration to preserve flavor compounds.
The company describes this year’s version as “one of High West‘s favorite limited edition whiskeys” and positions it as “a premier sipping whiskey.” The finish delivers “black currant jam with a subtle rye spice,” completing the wine-influenced flavor journey.
Read the full article at High West Unveils The Prisoner’s Share 2025 Showcasing Red Wine Cask Finish
