High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 – Where Wild West Meets Wine Country

Updated → September 2025

A boundary-pushing blend of three straight rye whiskeys aged 2-16 years, finished in vermouth and Syrah barrels. This limited edition batch #18622 delivers a bold fusion of spicy rye character with wine-forward complexity that challenges traditional whiskey conventions.

The Utah Whiskey Revolution

In the heart of Utah, where Mormon influence once kept distilleries shuttered for over a century, a whiskey revolution has been quietly brewing. High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 represents the pinnacle of this movement, challenging preconceptions about American whiskey with its audacious wine barrel finishing.

Utah's distilling history dates back to the 1860s when Salt Lake City's Main Street was famously known as "Whisky Street," home to at least 37 distilleries between 1862 and 1869. However, by 1870, the last distillery had closed its doors, leaving Utah dry for 136 years. This drought ended dramatically in 2006 when High West Distillery became the first legal distilling operation in the state since the end of Prohibition, marking the beginning of a new chapter in American craft whiskey.

High West's Mountain Legacy

The story of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 begins with biochemist David Perkins and his wife Jane, who discovered the parallels between distilling and biochemistry during a fateful visit to Maker's Mark Distillery in Kentucky in 2001. By 2004, they had relocated from California to Park City, Utah, drawn by David's love of the Wild West and the region's forgotten whiskey heritage.

Starting with a modest 250-gallon copper pot still in a historic livery stable and garage dubbed "The National Garage," High West has grown from a small saloon operation to an internationally recognized brand. The original Park City location, situated at exactly 7,000 feet elevation at the base of the Quittin' Time ski run, holds the distinction of being the world's only ski-in, ski-out gastro-distillery. This unique positioning speaks to High West's innovative approach to whiskey making and marketing.

In 2015, the distillery expanded operations to a 25,000-square-foot facility at Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, Utah, featuring a massive 1,600-gallon copper pot still imported from Scotland. This expansion positioned High West to meet growing demand while maintaining their commitment to quality and experimentation. The following year, Whisky Advocate magazine honored High West as "Distiller of the Year," cementing their reputation as pioneers in American craft whiskey.

The Birth of Yippee Ki-Yay

Launched in 2015, High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 emerged as one of the distillery's most experimental and controversial releases. Named after the iconic catchphrase from the Die Hard film series, this whiskey embodies the same rebellious spirit and willingness to break conventions.

The creation of Yippee Ki-Yay represented a bold departure from traditional American whiskey finishing techniques. While many distilleries were experimenting with port, sherry, or rum cask finishes, High West chose to finish their rye blend in French oak barrels that previously held California vermouth from Vya in Madera and Syrah wine from Qupé in Santa Maria. This unprecedented combination created a whiskey that defied easy categorization and sparked passionate debates among whiskey enthusiasts.

Originally marketed as a special release variation of High West's popular Double Rye!, the Yippee Ki-Yay name itself reflects a certain ironic humor – technically containing three different rye whiskeys rather than two. This playful approach to naming and marketing has become a hallmark of High West's brand identity, appealing to both traditional whiskey drinkers and newcomers seeking something different.

Understanding Batch #18622

Each batch of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 represents a unique expression of the master blender's art. Batch #18622 arrives at a critical juncture in the product's history, as High West has evolved from relying entirely on sourced whiskeys to incorporating their own distillate into the blend.

The batch numbering system provides collectors and enthusiasts with a way to track the evolution of this limited edition release. Earlier batches featured different proportions of the component whiskeys and varying finishing times, making each release a distinct snapshot of High West's blending philosophy at that moment. Batch #18622 benefits from years of refinement and experimentation, representing a mature expression of the Yippee Ki-Yay concept.

Production numbers for Yippee Ki-Yay have always been limited, with fewer than 30,000 bottles produced annually across all batches before the line's discontinuation. This scarcity has made specific batches like #18622 increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the whiskey's unique flavor profile and its significance in High West's portfolio.

The Three-Rye Symphony

At the heart of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 lies a complex blend of three distinct straight rye whiskeys, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product. This tri-rye blend showcases High West's expertise in sourcing and blending, creating a harmony that exceeds the sum of its parts.

The first component comes from MGP (Midwest Grain Products) in Indiana, featuring their signature 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill. This high-rye content whiskey brings intense spice notes, including dill, mint, and black pepper, forming the bold backbone of the blend. MGP's ryes are renowned for their consistency and quality, providing a reliable foundation for experimental finishing.

The second rye hails from Barton 1792 Distillery in Kentucky, with a more balanced 53% rye, 37% corn, and 10% malted barley mashbill. This "barely legal" rye whiskey contributes sweetness and body to the blend, with the corn content adding caramel and vanilla notes that help balance the intensity of the MGP component. The Barton rye, aged between 2 and 16 years, brings maturity and complexity to the final product.

The third and perhaps most significant component is High West's own distillate, featuring an 80% rye and 20% malted rye mashbill. This proprietary whiskey, produced using High West's custom yeast strain and the pure water from the Oyster Ridge aquifer, adds a unique terroir element to the blend. The inclusion of malted rye rather than malted barley creates additional layers of spice and complexity, distinguishing this whiskey from more conventional rye expressions.

Wine Barrel Finishing Process

The defining characteristic of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 is its innovative double wine barrel finishing. After the three component whiskeys are expertly blended, the mixture undergoes a secondary maturation in French oak barrels that previously held both vermouth and Syrah wine.

The vermouth barrels, sourced from Vya in Madera, California, impart intense herbal and botanical notes to the whiskey. Vermouth's complex blend of herbs, roots, and spices – including wormwood, gentian, and various aromatics – creates layers of flavor that interweave with the rye's natural spiciness. This finishing adds notes of sage, rosemary, and bitter orange peel that wouldn't typically appear in American whiskey.

The Syrah barrels from Qupé contribute fruity and tannic elements, with dark fruit notes of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis complementing the whiskey's inherent characteristics. The wine's influence adds a ruby red tint to the whiskey's color and contributes to the silky mouthfeel that distinguishes Yippee Ki-Yay from more traditional rye expressions. The interaction between the whiskey and the wine-soaked wood creates entirely new flavor compounds through a process called transesterification.

High West remains secretive about the exact duration of the finishing process, but industry experts estimate it ranges from three to six months. This extended finishing period allows for deep penetration of the wine and vermouth flavors while maintaining the integrity of the base whiskey. The result is a product that exists in a unique space between traditional American whiskey and experimental craft spirits.

Complex Tasting Profile

Pouring High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 reveals a stunning visual presentation. The whiskey displays a unique blushing strawberry blonde color, with rose gold highlights that catch the light. This distinctive hue immediately signals that this isn't your typical rye whiskey.

On the nose, the whiskey opens with an intense burst of cinnamon and crème de cassis, followed by herbal notes of rosemary, sage, and fresh mint. The vermouth influence is immediately apparent, creating an almost aperitif-like quality. As the whiskey breathes, deeper notes emerge: toasted rye grain, orange peel, clove, and a subtle hint of dark chocolate. Some tasters detect notes of smoked wood and leather, adding to the complexity.

The palate delivers on the nose's promise with an initial wave of bold cinnamon spice and orange rind. The texture is notably silky, thanks to the wine barrel influence. Mid-palate, the whiskey reveals layers of vanilla, caramel, and blackberry jam, with the herbal notes from the vermouth creating an intriguing bitter-sweet balance. The young rye's characteristic dill and black pepper notes are present but softened by the finishing process.

The finish is long and evolving, starting with warming spices of allspice and cinnamon before transitioning to mint chocolate and clover honey. A pleasant tannic dryness from the wine barrels provides structure, while lingering notes of burnt caramel and citrus peel invite another sip. At 92 proof (46% ABV), the alcohol is well-integrated, providing warmth without overwhelming the nuanced flavors.

The Cocktail-Whiskey Paradox

One of the most intriguing aspects of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 is its position straddling the line between a traditional sipping whiskey and a ready-made cocktail component. This duality has sparked considerable debate within the whiskey community and may have inadvertently positioned High West ahead of the craft cocktail curve.

Critics have noted that the strong vermouth influence makes the whiskey taste like a deconstructed Manhattan or Boulevard cocktail. This observation isn't necessarily negative – many bartenders have embraced Yippee Ki-Yay as a time-saving ingredient that brings complexity to cocktails with minimal effort. A simple addition of Campari transforms it into a unique Boulevardier, while a splash of sweet vermouth creates an exceptionally layered Manhattan.

The whiskey's cocktail-like qualities may have been prescient, as the batched cocktail trend exploded shortly after Yippee Ki-Yay's discontinuation. Premium pre-mixed cocktails and RTD (ready-to-drink) options have become increasingly sophisticated, suggesting that High West's experiment was perhaps too innovative for its time. Modern craft cocktail enthusiasts might better appreciate this hybrid approach than the traditional whiskey purists of 2015.

For those who prefer their whiskey neat, Yippee Ki-Yay requires an open mind and a willingness to explore beyond traditional flavor profiles. The wine influence can be polarizing – some find it beautifully integrated and complex, while others feel it overshadows the rye whiskey's inherent character. This divisiveness is perhaps the whiskey's most interesting quality, challenging drinkers to expand their definitions of what American whiskey can be.

Collector's Perspective

From a collector's standpoint, High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 represents a significant piece of American craft whiskey history. As one of the final batches produced before the line's discontinuation, it captures a moment when American distilleries were pushing boundaries and experimenting with unconventional finishing techniques.

The collectibility of Yippee Ki-Yay has increased substantially since High West announced the discontinuation of the line. What was once a polarizing curiosity has become a sought-after bottle for completists and High West enthusiasts. The limited production numbers – with fewer than 30,000 bottles produced across all batches – ensure long-term scarcity.

Secondary market values for Yippee Ki-Yay have shown steady appreciation, particularly for specific batches with notable characteristics. Earlier batches command premium prices due to their higher proportion of older sourced whiskey, while later batches like #18622 are valued for their inclusion of High West's proprietary distillate. This evolution in the blend's composition provides collectors with a tangible way to track High West's journey from sourcer to distiller.

For collectors considering Batch #18622, proper storage is essential to preserve the whiskey's unique characteristics. The wine barrel finishing makes this whiskey more susceptible to light damage than traditional American whiskeys, so dark storage is recommended. Additionally, the complex interplay of flavors can evolve significantly over time once opened, making unopened bottles particularly valuable for long-term collecting.

Serving Recommendations

To fully appreciate High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622, careful attention to serving method can make a significant difference. This whiskey rewards patience and proper presentation, revealing different facets depending on how it's served.

For neat pours, allow the whiskey to rest in the glass for 5-10 minutes before nosing. This resting period is crucial for Yippee Ki-Yay, as the initial alcohol vapors can mask the subtle wine and vermouth notes. A Glencairn glass or similar tulip-shaped vessel concentrates the complex aromatics, though some prefer a wider rocks glass to allow more air contact. Room temperature serving is ideal, as chilling can mute the delicate fruit notes from the Syrah barrels.

When adding water, proceed with extreme caution. A few drops can open up the whiskey beautifully, releasing hidden floral notes and softening the vermouth's herbal bitterness. However, too much water quickly dilutes the carefully balanced flavors, leaving a thin, disjointed experience. Start with 2-3 drops per ounce and adjust to taste. Some enthusiasts prefer using wine stones or whiskey stones to provide slight cooling without dilution.

For cocktail applications, Yippee Ki-Yay shines in variations of classic rye cocktails. In a Manhattan, reduce the vermouth by half since the whiskey already carries vermouth notes. For an Old Fashioned, consider using maple syrup instead of simple syrup to complement the wine barrel sweetness. The whiskey also performs exceptionally well in a Paper Plane, where its complexity enhances the Aperol and Amaro Nonino components.

Food Pairing Adventures

The unique flavor profile of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 opens up exciting possibilities for food pairing that go beyond traditional whiskey accompaniments. The wine barrel influence creates bridges to both classic whiskey pairings and wine-friendly foods.

Cheese pairings work exceptionally well, particularly aged varieties that can stand up to the whiskey's intensity. Aged Manchego complements the nutty, caramel notes while providing a creamy counterpoint to the rye spice. Blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola create an intriguing sweet-savory interplay with the Syrah fruit notes. For a more adventurous pairing, try aged Mimolette, whose butterscotch flavors harmonize beautifully with the whiskey's vanilla undertones.

Charcuterie selections should lean toward bold, herbaceous options. Bresaola's wine-cured beef echoes the Syrah influence, while speck's smoky character plays off the charred oak notes. Soppressata and other spiced salumi mirror the rye's peppery character. Include cornichons and olives to echo the vermouth's briny, herbal qualities.

For heartier fare, grilled lamb with rosemary creates a perfect harmony with the whiskey's herbal notes. Duck breast with a cherry reduction sauce amplifies the dark fruit characteristics from the Syrah barrels. Surprisingly, dark chocolate desserts work wonderfully, especially those incorporating orange zest or dried cherries. The whiskey's complexity can even complement certain spiced Middle Eastern dishes, particularly those featuring pomegranate molasses or sumac.

Market Competition Analysis

In the landscape of premium finished rye whiskeys, High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 occupies a unique position. While other distilleries have experimented with wine barrel finishing, few have attempted the bold combination of vermouth and Syrah barrels.

Angel's Envy Rye, finished in Caribbean rum casks, provides the closest comparison in terms of innovative finishing. However, where Angel's Envy adds tropical sweetness, Yippee Ki-Yay brings herbal complexity and wine-forward notes. The price points are similar, with both commanding premium prices in the $80-$100 range at release, though secondary market values vary significantly.

WhistlePig's various finished ryes, including their Sauternes, Madeira, and port cask finishes, share Yippee Ki-Yay's experimental spirit. However, WhistlePig's offerings tend toward sweeter profiles, lacking the bitter herbal complexity that vermouth finishing provides. Additionally, WhistlePig's higher age statements and single-barrel offerings position them in a different market segment.

Within High West's own portfolio, A Midwinter Night's Dram provides an interesting comparison. While both feature finishing techniques, AMND's port cask finish creates a more traditionally appealing profile that has achieved broader market acceptance. The contrast illustrates how Yippee Ki-Yay's more challenging flavor profile may have limited its commercial success while simultaneously ensuring its cult status among adventurous whiskey enthusiasts.

Availability and Investment

Finding High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 requires dedication and often a willingness to pay premium prices. Since the line's discontinuation, remaining bottles have become increasingly scarce in the primary market.

Current market pricing for Batch #18622 ranges from $420 to $800, depending on the retailer and location. West Street Wine & Spirits currently offers this batch at $549.99, positioning it in the middle of the market range. This pricing reflects both the whiskey's scarcity and its controversial status – beloved by some, dismissed by others, but undeniably significant in American whiskey history.

From an investment perspective, Yippee Ki-Yay presents an interesting case study. Unlike universally acclaimed limited editions that see immediate value appreciation, Yippee Ki-Yay's polarizing nature initially suppressed secondary market prices. However, as the American whiskey market has matured and collectors have developed more adventurous palates, appreciation for experimental releases like Yippee Ki-Yay has grown.

Potential buyers should consider their intentions carefully. For drinking, Yippee Ki-Yay offers a unique experience that can't be replicated by other whiskeys. For investing, the long-term trajectory appears positive, particularly as High West's reputation continues to grow and the availability of their experimental releases dwindles. The key is understanding that this whiskey's value lies not in universal appeal but in its representation of a specific moment in American craft whiskey evolution.

Future of Limited Editions

The legacy of High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 extends beyond the liquid itself, influencing how distilleries approach limited edition releases and experimental finishing techniques.

High West's willingness to release a potentially polarizing product demonstrates the importance of innovation in the craft spirits industry. While Yippee Ki-Yay may not have achieved the commercial success of more conventional releases, it established High West as a distillery willing to take risks and push boundaries. This reputation has served them well as the American whiskey market has become increasingly sophisticated and experimental.

The discontinuation of Yippee Ki-Yay coincided with High West's acquisition by Constellation Brands in 2016, leading to speculation about the influence of corporate ownership on experimental releases. However, High West has continued to innovate with limited editions like their Valley Tan and specialty finishes in their Distiller's Collection, suggesting that the experimental spirit lives on in different forms.

For the broader industry, Yippee Ki-Yay's example has emboldened other distilleries to experiment with unconventional finishing techniques. The rise of amaro-finished whiskeys, mezcal cask experiments, and other boundary-pushing releases can trace some inspiration back to High West's bold vermouth and wine barrel combination. As American whiskey consumers continue to seek new experiences, the market for experimental limited editions appears stronger than ever.

The Final Pour

High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 stands as a testament to the creative possibilities in American whiskey. Whether viewed as a brilliant innovation or a failed experiment, its impact on the industry is undeniable.

For whiskey enthusiasts, Batch #18622 offers a chance to taste history – a snapshot of when American craft distilleries were just beginning to challenge the dominance of traditional Kentucky and Tennessee whiskeys. The complex interplay of three distinct rye whiskeys, enhanced by the controversial vermouth and Syrah barrel finishing, creates a drinking experience unlike any other.

Those fortunate enough to secure a bottle face a pleasant dilemma: drink or collect? While the investment potential is clear, the true value of Yippee Ki-Yay lies in the experience it provides. This is whiskey as conversation starter, as philosophical debate, as sensory adventure. It challenges preconceptions and rewards open-minded exploration.

Ultimately, High West Limited Edition Yippee Ki Yay Straight Rye Whiskey Batch #18622 embodies the spirit of American innovation in whiskey form. Like the cowboys who inspired its name, it's bold, uncompromising, and utterly unique. Whether that makes it a triumph or a curiosity is a judgment each drinker must make for themselves. What's certain is that American whiskey is more interesting because experiments like Yippee Ki-Yay existed, pushing boundaries and challenging our definitions of what whiskey can be.