This is a bold, wine-finished whiskey that leans unapologetically into richness and texture. The 2026 Prisoner’s Share shows dark berry, cocoa, and baking spice layered over a silky, full-bodied palate, with the 102 proof adding structure and lift. A high-impact, limited release designed for enthusiasts who enjoy expressive, dessert-leaning whiskeys.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This collaboration between High West and The Prisoner Wine Company is built around a blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys, bringing together sweetness, spice, and structure.

Key production elements:

Blend of straight bourbon and straight rye whiskeys
Aged stocks typically spanning multiple years for balance
Finished in The Prisoner Red Blend wine barrels (French oak)
Bottled at 102 proof (51% ABV)

The finishing process defines the profile:

Wine barrels contribute dark fruit, tannin, and richness
Rye component adds pepper, spice, and structure
Bourbon base delivers caramel, vanilla, and body

The result is a whiskey that emphasizes:
👉 Flavor intensity and layering
👉 A seamless integration of wine influence and classic American whiskey character

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published traditional critic scores for the 2026 release.

(High West limited releases are typically reviewed more heavily by enthusiast outlets and collectors than by legacy spirits publications.)

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Blackberry, cherry compote, cocoa, vanilla, and toasted oak

Palate:
Rich and velvety, with dark fruit, chocolate, caramel, baking spice, and a hint of wine-driven tannin

Finish:
Medium-long, with lingering red fruit, spice, and gentle oak dryness

Quick Overview

Attribute	Details
ABV / Proof	51% ABV (102 Proof)
Origin / Region	Utah, USA
Producer	High West Distillery
Base Material	Blend of straight bourbon & rye
Aging / Maturation	Multi-year blend + wine barrel finish
Special Attributes	Finished in The Prisoner Red Blend barrels; limited release
Aromas & Flavors	Dark fruit, cocoa, spice, caramel
Style / Identity	Rich, wine-finished, dessert-leaning whiskey

Cocktail Recipes

Prisoner’s Old Fashioned
– 2 oz Prisoner’s Share
– 1 barspoon demerara syrup
– 2 dashes bitters
– Orange peel

Black Manhattan (Wine-Finished Twist)
– 2 oz Prisoner’s Share
– 1 oz amaro
– 2 dashes bitters

Serving & Occasion

Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water. Ideal for:

After-dinner pours
Whiskey enthusiasts exploring wine finishes
Limited release collecting

02nd June New Releases

Town Branch Imperium MMXXIV Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Limited Release

High West “The Prisoner’s Share” Limited Release Blended Whiskey 2026 750ml (102 Proof / 51% ABV)