Last Chance at Retail for a Groundbreaking American Whiskey Icon
High West “Campfire” American Whiskey ($54.99)
“…the sheer boldness of mixing high quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch… truly put these guys on the map.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
A blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch, High West’s now-iconic “Campfire” American Whiskey started as an idea that no other blender had the fortitude to take on, as it was yet unproven in the market. Over the years, though, the “Campfire” has more than vindicated the wisdom of High West’s gambit, as it’s found immense favor with whiskey lovers everywhere. The fine, seamless expression of all the best qualities of each of its component whiskies “offers something that few else can,” as spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard puts it. When the brand recently announced that the whiskey would no longer be sold in the retail market but only through the distillery in Utah, we knew what we had to do. We secured as much of it as we could get our hands on, and we’re letting High West fans everywhere know that this is your last chance to pick some up, unless of course you have a road trip to Park City on your schedule. There’s no telling how long it’ll be available in California (hint: not long), so stock up while you can.
High West “Campfire” American Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)
91 points Whisky Advocate: “An oddball that crosses the divide between American whiskey and scotch by literally mixing the two, Campfire combines straight Indiana rye, straight Indiana bourbon, and peated blended malt scotch, marrying them together in heavily toasted French and Hungarian oak wine barrels. The scotch adds hearty, meaty flavors to the dry, spicy, and rich bourbon and rye. This is a robust and beefy whiskey, with smoke reminiscent of Southern barbecue. Earlier releases of this ambitious whiskey didnt quite hit the mark. Now, its right on target. *Top 20 Whiskies of 2017* (AP)” (12/2017)
91 points Wine Enthusiast: “An unexpectedly wonderful pairing with a sweet chocolate or a sticky caramel dessert, Campfire blends straight rye whiskey, straight Bourbon and blended Scotch. Altogether, its big and smoky, with lots of iodine, but doesnt completely overwhelm, settling into a pleasing mix of toffee and peat. Gift a bottle to a Scotch lover to introduce the joys of American whiskeys. (KN)” (07/2013)
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021
To say this is the end of an era is an understatement. High West “Campfire” has long stood as a symbol of the risks that the special Utah distiller was willing to take as well as their prowess as blenders. It is indeed their ability to acquire and expertly blend whiskies that made High West the exceptional property that it is today. But the sheer boldness of mixing high-quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch to create a new category of whisky truly put these guys on the map. Many were skeptical at first, writing off their efforts as a gimmick or a novelty, but ultimately this product has been embraced by so many in the whisky community who appreciate its balance and versatility. Now, with word that they’ll be transitioning this product to a distillery-only release, there’s been a renewed sense of urgency from many of those who have come to rely on this bottle when they found themselves craving something, shall we say, “in between” categories. Still now, years after its initial release, the “Campfire” offers something few else can. The nose is a luxurious amalgam of sweet new oak, tangy rye spice, and deep, sooty smoke. On the palate, the wood does a lot of the talking and falls distinctly in the texture range of a good straight bourbon or rye. The sweetness is tempered perfectly by the top note of clean Islay peat, while twinges of ash and iodine don’t distract at all from the gorgeous caramel and spice. Altogether an idiosyncratic expression that won’t necessarily make everyone happy all the time, but for times when you’re in the mood and there’s nothing else that can quite scratch that itch, it’s probably a good move to grab one or two just in case, since you’ll have to head to Utah to get this one in the future.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021
Word on the street is that High West is transitioning “Campfire” to be a Utah-only product. They’re not going so far as to yank product from other markets but will just naturally let it run dry and no longer replenish it after March 2021. This means unless you’ve got a post pandemic trip to Park City in the works, you’ll have to stock the bar now. It’s what we did. There’s no telling when it’ll be sold out in CA for good, but the end is near. It’s a tragedy for whisk(e)y lovers without ties to Utah, as “Campfire” has been one of the more creative and interesting whiskies available for quite some time. It’s a beautiful mélange of bourbon’s classic highlights of sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch mixed with an impossibly complex rye profile. Cracked pepper, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy black pepper, and cut grass all work harmoniously with the bourbon. The kicker, though, is the peated Scotch. This component really ties it all together in an unexpected way that just works. The slightly salty and robustly smoky elixir makes its presence known from nosing through to finish, but it never overwhelms. The “Campfire” name really is perfect. If you’re dying to get outside and have a drink around the fire with friends, this is a great place to start.
