High West Campfire (2023 Release)

Appearance: Medium brown, indicating a delicate balance across the rye, bourbon, and scotch components. Scent: The aroma of the rye, whiskey, and scotch blend starts subtly and intensifies with deeper inhalation. Hints of caramel were particularly noticeable. Taste: Smooth upon initial contact with the palate, without a strong leaning towards any specific whiskey profile. Aftertaste: This is where the lingering notes of chai and pecan become apparent. Caramel, chai, and pecan flavors persist on the palate. The warmth is felt in the chest/stomach rather than the mouth/throat, contributing to a smoother experience and suggesting proper aging.

Nose - standard whisky aroma. Taste - initial charcoal kick evolves into a softer smoky flavor. Finish - more of the taste profile, which fades away over time. Score - 3.5 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

Dark copper in color, it runs off the glass fairly quickly but leaves a nice sheet. The nose matches the label: smoky with caramel and sweet malty notes. There's a bit of barnyard funk and hints of vanilla frosting. It tastes like a campfire, but in the most delicious way. It's soft and silky on the palate, and sweet enough to balance the smokiness. It's different and delicious!

From the initial pour. The nose carries a smoky, peaty character, with a hint of rye spice beneath. The taste mirrors the aroma, beginning with a pleasant smokiness and peat, followed by a subtle sweetness. The finish is smooth, maintaining the enjoyable smoky peat profile. While not personally preferred, it will likely appeal to others.

A fantastic purchase from the HW Saloon, it went down smoothly, but I expected a bit more complexity. I recall the previous version having more vanilla and a fiery, almost peaty quality. It's still a great buy, but I'm unsure if it's worth the price compared to their standard straight bourbon or double rye.

Starts with bourbon notes, quickly transitions to rye, and finishes with a long scotch flavor.