High West Campfire is one of the most distinctive and inventive whiskeys on the market, billed by the Park City, Utah distillery as the world's only blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt Scotch whisky. The idea was born when High West founders David and Jane Perkins, staying at the Bruichladdich distillery's bed and breakfast in Scotland, were served a dessert of honeydew melon drizzled with a peated whiskey syrup, an unforgettable pairing of sweet fruit and gentle smoke that inspired David to ask why not marry sweet bourbon with peat. The result is Campfire, a genuinely one of a kind pour that bridges old world and new world whiskey traditions. The bourbon and rye components, sourced largely from MGP along with High West's own rye, bring familiar sweet and spicy American whiskey flavors, while a lightly peated blended malt Scotch contributes a soft, smoldering smoke that ties everything together. Bottled at 46 percent ABV, this batch pours a warm amber and opens with a nose of butterscotch, shortbread, sandalwood, worn leather, and pine resin over gentle campfire smoke. The palate layers vanilla, salted caramel, toasted brioche, and red berry compote with chai spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, orange zest, cedar, and pipe tobacco, while the finish carries English toffee, dark chocolate, and a lingering wisp of peat. Approachable enough to serve as a gateway between bourbon and Scotch yet complex enough to reward seasoned drinkers, Campfire is excellent sipped straight, with a little water, or in a smoky twist on a classic cocktail.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
High West |
| Distillery |
High West Distillery, Park City, Utah (blend of sourced and house whiskeys) |
| Producer |
High West Distillery |
| Category |
Blended Whiskey (straight rye, straight bourbon, and blended malt Scotch) |
| Expression |
Campfire; this bottle Batch No. 19J10 |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (components roughly 4 to 8 years) |
| Mashbill / Components |
MGP straight rye (95% rye, 5% malted barley) and High West rye (80% rye, 20% malted rye); MGP straight bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley); lightly peated blended malt Scotch (undisclosed source) |
| Maturation |
Aged in oak; the Scotch component contributes the peat smoke |
| Bottling |
Ongoing batch release (batch coded) |
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States (with Scotch component) |
| Region |
Utah (blended); sourced whiskeys |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber.
Nose: Butterscotch, shortbread, sandalwood, worn leather, and pine resin over gentle campfire smoke.
Palate: Vanilla, salted caramel, toasted brioche, and red berry compote with chai spices, orange zest, cedar, and pipe tobacco.
Finish: English toffee, dark chocolate, and a lingering wisp of peat smoke.
FAQ
What is Campfire? A one of a kind blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt Scotch whisky, described by High West as the world's only blend of all three.
Why does it taste smoky? The lightly peated blended malt Scotch component contributes a soft, smoldering peat smoke that complements the sweet bourbon and spicy rye.
What proof is it? 92 proof, or 46 percent ABV. As a batch product, the exact ABV can vary very slightly between batches.
How old is it? No age statement; the component whiskeys are described as roughly four to eight years old.
How should I drink it? Straight, with a little water, or in a cocktail where its smoke and spice add a unique twist.
Where can I buy High West Campfire online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
