High West Campfire

Alrighty gang, it's Whiskey Wednesday again. I had high hopes to go outdoors to get some shots of this, but unfortunately I've been a bit bed ridden with an intense migraine all day today. That said, I decided to bring the outdoors inside, and here it is: My cozy little Campfire.

The High West Campfire is a true craftsman's blended whiskey, composed of American Bourbon from MGP, two Ryes - one MGP and the other from High West themselves -, along with (and here's the kicker) a decadent splash of a mystery-distillery Malted Scotch. The goal of the whiskey is to fill you with warmth, just like standing next to a campfire on a cold evening, and god damn does it do that and so much more.

Nose - For me, I pick up a distinct first millisecond of grain and rye, that quickly sends to a slightly peaty, briney, but heavily smokey white ash - just like the traits of a traditional Islay -, and charred oak or even burning maple logs. The nose is a bit heavy handed at first, but if you let this breathe for a few minutes it comes out being incredibly complex. The complexity comes with the question of, "how the f**k did they bottle the smell of an actual campfire?"

Palette - The first taste I get is sweet; maple sugar, brown sugar, and aged fruits, that bursts into spice and cinnamon as the rye comes rampaging in. My first sip I was actually caught a bit off guard by how smooth it begins but really takes off fast, just like lighting a well built log-cabin style fire. And in just the same way one of those well constructed pyres, the flavor maintains a spicy-sweet smokiness.

Finish - As mentioned, the spice and smokiness from the Rye and Scotch last with you and truly do warm the soul, or at least the gut. The warm burning sensation lasts longer than some other ryes and most other scotches I've tried, and yes, that even includes the Islay variety.

Coming out as High West's top-shelf full-distribution whiskey, I really believe the price point is well earned. This is a whiskey that fantastic memories are made with, from the taste and profile all the way to the rugged appeal of a whiskey named "Campfire", it's really a hard one to beat and has earned permanent residence in my cabinet. I would warn the average consumer or party-goer to stay away from the Campfire unless you have a bit of experience drinking each of the distinct blends here; for me having been indoctrinated into the Cult of Ardbeg and then sensing that same taste as a distant cousin in this blend was quite the treat, but I think for the inexperienced those sensations of excitement may be lost. With all that said, it's worth it to go out to a bar and order one neat or even on the rocks. 

As a bit of explanation on what's happening in the picture... As I said, I wasn't quite able to go out and get any good shots today, but I do have a LOT of backpacking gear, one piece of equipment I don't get to use enough is my Fancee Feest stove, and that is what's pictured here, roaring away with a few other backpacking essentials, and one not-so-essential book that I just picked up, Steve Rinella's "Meateater Fish and Game Cookbook" which is a really awesome one to have, especially if you're into nabbing your own meat.

Oh, and like I said in the week before, I've got a few bangers to review coming up. This was quite the spicy review, I think the next will be far more poetic...;)