Credit: Lost Cargo
Campfire is a limited-release whiskey from High West Distillery. It was first released in 2012 and is now released annually each August.
Campfire is a blend of a bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch. The ratio of the blend is undisclosed, as is the source of the Scotch. As of August 2023,1Instagram the blend consists of:
- Straight Rye Whiskey (High West Distillery): 80% Rye, 20% malted rye
- Straight Bourbon Whiskey (MGP): 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
- Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Undisclosed source)
Before August 2023, MGP’s 95% rye, 5% malted barley recipe rye whiskey was also used in the blend.
The barrels used are new, charred white American oak, as well as second-use Bourbon barrels, and it is bottled at 92 proof.
In 2021, Campfire’s distribution footprint was reduced from a year-round, nationwide release to a seasonal Utah exclusive. In 2021, it became a limited, seasonal release alongside Rendezvous Rye and High Country. That year, all three featured special labels painted by Ed Mell. In 2022, Campfire returned to nationwide availability.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Floral, fruity, bright and spicy, caramel, butterscotch, Light smoke and smoldering wood from a campfire the morning after, jasmine, chai tea, sandalwood, leather, tobacco, pine resin and toasted bread.
Palate
Vanilla, honey, toffee with some nice fruit, blueberries and black cherries, chai spices – nutmeg, cinnamon, orange zest, salty caramels, tobacco, gentle smoke!
Finish
Spicy gingerbread with blackstrap molasses and toasted marshmallow
