Earlier this year, I reviewed my first two products from the High West Distillery. These reviews were mixed and on the complete opposite side of the whiskey spectrum and my rating scale. So when I saw this bottle on the shelf in my local store, I was a bit hesitant to purchase it. Knowing nothing about this bottle or its expressions, my curiosity, and that damn “limited release” stamp I am such a sucker for, won the battle and here we are. With that said, today’s review is of High West Campfire, a blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt scotch whiskey.

From the back label: I was going to write something cheesy about cowboys, campfires, and whiskey but I figured you might be more interested in how Campfire Whiskey® came to be. One morning at the Bruichladdich distillery B&B, my wife and I smelled peat in the air – the great ladies that made our meals were simmering a bottle of peated whiskey and sugar! Later that night, they brought out dessert of ripe honeydew drizzled with the peated syrup. That was the most unusual, delicious and memorable ending to a dinner I’ve ever had. The combination of melon and sweet smoke really worked – so (naturally…) I thought “why not mix sweet bourbon and peat?” The main flavor (or melody) is sweet honey from a ripe bourbon. The enhancing flavor (or harmony) is floral fruity spice from a mature rye whiskey. The accent (Satchmo’s gravelly voice!) is smoke from a peated Scotch whisky. The proportions? Top secret.

Although this is marketed as a limited release bottle, I have seen this product widely available throughout Northern Colorado now; but bottles are starting to dwindle. Overall, this is one of the most unique whiskies I have tried in the past year. The blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt scotch whiskey shines bright on the smoky, spicy, and sweet nose. These characteristics diminish gradually on the palate and are overtaken by the smokiness and peat on the finish. This is an excellent and unique bottle of whiskey that I am happy I purchased, however, if you are not a fan of smokiness or peat, it might be worth trying a pour before purchasing this bottle. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Smoky, Spicy, and Sweet. Notes of Smoke, Peat, Caramel, Vanilla Bean, and Brown Sugar
• Palate: Sweet Vanilla Bean, Barrel Char, Caramel, Peat, and Slight Smokiness
• Finish: Short to Medium with Lasting, with Balanced Notes of Smoke, Peat, and Tabacco
• 2022 MSRP: $79
• 2022 National MSRP: $90
• Proof: 92
• My Rating: Drink it! (Truly a unique flavor profile that might not be for everyone)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman