High West Campfire must be judged while drinking it, you guessed it, by a campfire.
Alas, most of my campfires occur as a part of Boy Scout outings. Not exactly a good idea to crack open a bottle of whiskey around the campfire in that setting. Sooooo….
We’ll just have to make due with a nice fire in the backyard fire pit. No, I’m not sleeping in a tent, no, I didn’t cook over the fire, and no, I have absolutely no concerns about bears being about (which is exactly how those bears want it, that’s how they sneak up on you…and proceed to steal your whiskey).
But, there will be wood, smoke, heat, cool night air (as cool as night air gets in Virginia in early fall) and an appropriate setting for whiskey. So, fire is going, kids are in bed, let’s get into this one!
Wait. Pause. My neighbor, who tries to spoil many good things for me, is rustling around in his backyard, disturbing the ambiance.
Just a little longer.
I think he’s just stomping on plastic bags, grunting, and cursing. Not sure what his end game here is, again, outside his whole secret agenda of ruining things for me.
And finally, we can continue. He hasn’t gone inside, but he’s at least stopped his dispensation of violence against plastic bags. Thankfully, he tires easily.
So, Campfire Whiskey.
The nose blends well with the campfire smoke. The two together bring out a sweet smoky element that is quite nice. The rest of the nose points in the direction of scotch, but not with a lot of conviction. It kinda waves in that direction, much like a drunk would if they were giving directions. There are also other non-scotchy elements in the same general vicinity. I am unsure regarding their level of sobriety.
The palate is generally pleasant by the fire. Sweet, bright, and warming. The smoke, occasionally a threat to be over powering when not by the fire, fits right in in this context.
For a whiskey named Campfire, you want it to be enhanced at a campfire, and I feel like this actually is. I was just a drinking a glass of this on a Friday night, NOT by a fire, and I found it a bit mediocre. But by the fire, it does shine.
High West Campfire Whiskey: Guaranteed to taste better when enjoyed by a fire and outdoors.
Manufacturer’s Notice: Fire and outdoors not included with purchase of High West Campfire Whiskey. Find fire and outdoors at your local Earth or similar retailer.
It’s worth it if you enjoy fires and whiskey. And you’re not surrounded by 11 to 17 year old boys or loud neighbors striving to combine plastic and concrete through force of foot.
It’s not a thinking about it whiskey. It’s an experiential whiskey. Don’t get into it because of the notes, get into it because it fits a certain ambiance and setting.
Final verdict. Campfire. You don’t need to hunt it. But if you happen upon it, and you’re an REI member, snatch it up, you’ll enjoy sipping on it while you contemplate nature, and silence, and how much less silent nature is when my troop of scouts is at the campsite next to yours. The whiskey will help cope with that too. Cheers!
Score: By a campfire, 84. At home, 73. With a troop of scouts, 0.
Price per 50 ml: I bought this bottle years ago, so I do not recall for certain. 🤔 Not cheap. I think around $4.70.
Whiskey Repartee 