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Published Jan 12, 2023 2:01 PM
Whiskey and the American backcountry have been intertwined ever since Scots-Irish settlers started distilling grains from the brand new lands they claimed throughout frontier instances. But past the historical past, whiskey continues to be sensible for backcountry adventures in the present day; it’s greatest at room temperature and has an amazing alcohol-to-weight ratio.
There’s nothing higher for taking the sting off a puckering peak or rewarding high-mileage days than a powerful swig. Drinking within the backcountry is usually grimey and informal, so if you happen to’re in search of an in-depth evaluation on the advanced tasting notes of high-end whiskey, you’re within the fallacious place. However, if you happen to belief the opinions of 14 ski bums who’re seasoned in dirtbag consuming tradition, then get pleasure from our checklist of the most effective whiskey for the backcountry.
How I Tested Whiskey for the Backcountry
On a snowy evening someplace alongside the Wyoming and Idaho border a bunch of 14 skiers and snowboarders gathered round a desk. Eight whiskey bottles sat on a wood lazy susan surrounded by an assortment of empty mugs, plastic cups, and even a glass or two. I chosen nature targeted whiskeys like Noble Oak who vegetation a tree for each sale, Tincup, the self-proclaimed mountain whiskey, and a Yellowstone themed bottle. Then as extra pals gathered on the Dancing Bear cabin, naturally, so did extra whiskey bottles. And this set the scene for a blind tasting of all of the whiskey on this checklist adopted by actual world area testing on the pores and skin observe and at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Best Backcountry Whiskey: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Wyoming Whiskey National Parks Edition No. 2
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 105 proof
- Taste: 5 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Big accomplishments
If you’re planning an journey price celebrating, that is your whiskey. This small batch is the most effective whiskey for the backcountry and past. It tastes nice and is 105 proof for an optimum alcohol to weight ratio. A particular journey requires a particular whiskey and this restricted version run honors our first National Park, Yellowstone’s a hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Thanks to a partnership with Yellowstone Forever, this bottle provides again to the backcountry we love within the type of $5 from each bottle bought.
Best for a Big Group: Tincup American Whiskey
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 84 proof
- Taste: 4 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Honey and excessive mileage days
The Tincup American Whiskey has a candy taste that goes down simple. This Colorado-native will hit the spot post-adventure. Perfect for a dirtbag scorching toddy (add a beneficiant serving to scorching tea and honey), it is a comforting whiskey that simply pleases an enormous group, therefore the 4 out of 5 stars on style. Even tasters who don’t essentially like whiskey loved this one. The Tincup bottle additionally features a steel shot glass that screws onto the highest. Even with out correct drinkware you possibly can simply cheers: Your accomplice can increase the shot glass and you may pull from the bottle.
Best for Drinking Alone: Noble Oak Double Oak Rye
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 96 proof
- Taste: 5 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Summits and seclusion
This was one of many prime three fan favorites within the blind tasting so I made a decision to hold it 3,200 vertical toes to see the way it tasted on the prime of a mountain. My touring accomplice and I had been the one two souls on the summit and this rye made the victory really feel all of the sweeter. After a protracted, lovely, and secluded ascent, a sip of spicy excessive proof whiskey hit the spot. The Noble Oak Double Oak Rye is nice for consuming alone as a result of it serves as a reward for the climb and a draft of daring in preparation for a steep descent, plus it’s nearly too good to share.
Best for Day Hikes: Four Roses Bourbon
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof
- Taste: 4 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Day hikes and lemonade
Smooth, low-cost, and straightforward to search out, Four Roses Bourbon is my go-to greatest whiskey for the backcountry. It may not be fancy, excessive proof, or advanced, which is precisely why it’s perfect for journeys into the mountains. This outdated dependable is rather like a day hike in that it’s all the time pleasurable, however usually not probably the most epic journey. To step up your dirtbag consuming sport, spike a Crystal Light Arnold Palmer combine for a refreshing and light-weight cocktail.
Best for Peaks: Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 90 proof
- Taste: 4 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Sour Punch Straws and double blacks
A easy and easy whiskey, the Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon is greatest in case your descent is puckering sufficient with out the assistance of a biting beverage. An extended pull of this relaxed bourbon will calm your nerves. If you’re in search of liquid braveness, take a sip on the elevate whilst you scope out your subsequent line. In my expertise, Sour Punch Straws (ideally inexperienced apple flavored) pair properly with this Noble Oak. They function the right chaser, really work as a straw if you happen to’re determined, and offer you a candy chunk of speedy power to straight-line that slope.
Puts Hair On Your Chest: Tincup Straight Rye
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 90 proof
- Taste: 3 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Pickle juice and kind II enjoyable
Tincup’s Straight Rye is just like sort II enjoyable in that you simply may not have the most effective time within the second however after the hearth in your throat is quenched, you’ll need extra. The evil twin to Tincup’s sweet-like-honey American whiskey, this rowdy rye will put hair in your chest. It’s perfect for a kind II (bordering on sort III) day as a result of you possibly can neglect your slog and end sturdy. I’d advocate having fun with this bottle within the type of pickleback photographs. If you comply with a shot of whiskey with a shot of pickle juice, it has the magical capacity to dissipate the burn and imparts a briney tart aftertaste.
Best for Campfires: Pendleton 1910 Rye Whiskey
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof
- Taste: 5 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Long-winded toasts and good firm
The Pendleton Rye additionally gained top-three honors within the blind tasting, which was a contented shock to the purchaser who picked it up at a fuel station in rural Idaho. Nothing bonds folks like the outside and whiskey and this Pendleton is my decide for passing across the campfire. Tall tales, long-winded toasts, and wholesome debates are ready on the backside of this bottle. If you’re whiskey-savvy sufficient to note the notes of charred oak, maple, and butterscotch, this can completely match the smoky environment surrounding a bonfire. If you’re not whiskey-savvy, you’ll nonetheless get pleasure from passing round this bottle of high quality liquor and high quality recollections.
Honorable Mention: Robbers Roost
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof
- Taste: 4 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Red rocks and sunsets
Red rocks and crimson cinnamon meet on this Utah-local improve to Fireball, named after the famed Old West outlaw hideout, Robbers Roost canyon. While not the normal whiskey you’re used to swigging within the backcountry, this spicy and candy liqueur will heat your insides. You’ll solely discover this bottle in Utah, however that’s additionally the place it’s greatest loved. I’d advocate it on a cold desert evening as you watch the solar set into an identical amber colour.
Dishonorable Mention: Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
Key Features
- Alcohol Content: 66 proof
- Taste: 1 out of 5
- Pairs Well With: Recklessness and disgrace
The greatest whiskey for the backcountry is for sipping, sharing, and shredding. In the backcountry stakes are excessive sufficient with out consuming a shameful quantity of alcohol. Guzzling an excessive amount of isn’t simply embarrassing; it’s reckless and past doubtlessly injuring your self, you may get another person significantly injured or killed. If you’re dehydrated, hungry, or at the next elevation (all possible within the backcountry), alcohol can have an effect on you greater than regular. So ignore social media tendencies and go away the Fireball at dwelling (or higher but, on the retailer). Respect the boundaries of your liver and the facility of the backcountry.
Final Thoughts
After spending just a few days with these whiskeys and attending to share them with my dust bag pals, I can confidently say that anyone of them will make your subsequent journey extra memorable (or considerably much less memorable if you happen to aren’t cautious). They style nice whereas encouraging sendy habits and bonding. My prime shelf decide, Wyoming Whiskey’s National Parks Edition No. 2, is greatest for that epic journey you’ve been planning some time. For on a regular basis adventures, Four Roses is my favourite.