A Guide to the Best Campfire Whiskeys
Whiskey and campfire
As the sun sets and the crackling of the campfire fills the air, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a good whisky to enhance the experience. There’s a certain magic that comes alive with the first sip of a well-chosen whiskey. For those glorious summer nights, the ideal whiskies combine both warmth and character, enhancing the rustic atmosphere and providing a delightful counterpoint to the cool evening air. Picture a rich Kentucky bourbon, its amber liquid flowing with notes of creamy vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of brown sugar, perfectly suited for a warm embrace amidst the wilderness. Or, imagine savoring a smoky Islay Scotch, where the aroma of sea salt and peaty earthiness recalls the rugged landscape of its origin, igniting a sense of adventure with each sip. Whether you’re sharing ghost stories under a blanket of stars or relishing the tranquil sounds of nature, these carefully selected whiskies will not only enrich the experience but also create lasting memories around the fire.
Here's what whiskey aficionados and industry experts choose as their favorite drams to sip on around the campfire.
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon
Karen Gentry, who is a whiskey evangelist and social media influencer, shares that she has two favorite campfire whiskeys. "If it's a summer campfire, then I would reach for a Redwood Empire Pipe Dream. If it's a cold night in the smoky mountains, then Balcones Brimstone!"
Named for the 14th tallest tree on the planet, Pipe Dream Bourbon is made from barrels aged between four and twelve years with a high corn mash bill at the Redwood Empire distillery in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. "Smooth and complex, it is a true sipping whiskey. There is a light yet complex feeling to this pour. With such strong woody notes, it's a perfect campfire addition," says Gentry.
Balcones Brimstone Smoked Whiskey
Second on her list is Balcones Brimstone Smoked whisky from the folks at Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas. Brimstone is full of fresh-tasting, youthful corn and light fruit notes mingled with rich smokiness. Although the whisky is nuanced, it remains a rewarding pour for fans of smoky whiskies and drinkers who appreciate bold, unexpected flavors. Balcones smokes the whisky with sunbaked Texas scrub oak using a secret process, resulting in layers of flavor in each sip. "We are talking about SMOKY warmth, perfect for a cold night by the campfire. I would suggest pairing this pour with a gooey S'more," says Gentry, adding, "Both of these pours bring the outdoors to your tongue, each in their own way. When you have woody, grainy, or smoky notes - you just crave to be sitting fireside."
ASW Distillery Fiddler Toasted Rye - Cask Strength
Louis Mills, a whiskey aficionado with a large social media following, says he enjoys cigars by the campfire; he chooses ASW Distillery Fiddler Toasted Rye - Cask Strength. "Something about the toasted flavors complements a cigar so well. And the heat from the cask strength packs a perfect punch that's not overwhelming, but just the perfect complement when sitting by a fire outdoors," he says. ASW finishes various rye whiskey mash bills – all at least 6 years old – in toasted barrels of varying toast levels and times. By varying the toast and amount of time in the toasted barrel, each batch enjoys its own unique flavor profile while delivering all of the flavors you hope for in an American rye whiskey.
Laphroaig Càirdeas
Shardul Mehta, a popular whiskey influencer and whiskey aficionado, loves sipping on Laphroaig PX Finish or this year's 2025 Càirdeas. Made by marrying five favorite Laphroaig casks, each with its own story to tell, the Càirdeas is a cask-strength version of one of Laphroaig's best-loved expressions, Cask Lore. With notes of peat and sea salt, citrus, and caramel, this expression is a peat lover's dream.
Laphroaig whisky, a peaty whisky from Islay, Scotland, is the perfect companion for sipping around a campfire, thanks to its smoky character and rich briny flavors. The unmistakable smoky aroma and earthy undertones create a warm and inviting experience for enjoying under the stars. Each sip unveils layers of complexity, from the peaty richness to subtle notes of vanilla and sea salt, evoking a sense of adventure that mirrors the great outdoors. The bold yet smooth finish complements the crackling sound of the fire and the cool night air, making every moment feel special.
Whiskey Del Bac Dorado Single Malt
The American Southwest evokes cowboy vibes with imagery of cowboys on horseback galloping through the dusty mountains, a classic cinematic scene. What could be better than an American Southwest whiskey made with 100% barley smoked over a mesquite fire, delivering a sweet, chocolatey smoke flavor with undertones of toffee and brown sugar? Tucson, Arizona's Whiskey Del Bac makes what some say is a perfect campfire whiskey. When polling various American Single Malt whiskey lovers, many of them added Whiskey Del Bac to their list, with the majority choosing the Dorado. The flavor of Whiskey Del Bac's mesquite-smoked whiskey is a delicious treat, offering a unique flavor profile that reveals new and interesting notes with every sip.
Judson & Moore Applewood Smoked Single Malt Whiskey
Last but not least, not every campfire whiskey has to be a boldly smoky whiskey. There are times when subtle smoke undertones in a fruity whiskey hit the spot. Judson & Moore, which hails from Chicago, Illinois, offers up a taste of the Midwest with their applewood smoked American Single Malt. The team at Judson & Moore set out to represent the bounty of the American Heartland with Midwestern grain, Lake Michigan water, Minnesota white oak, and local coopers and artisans. Made with a mash bill of 65% smoked malted barley and 35% malted barley, the flavor is elegant, with the smoke and fruit-forward whiskey interwoven beautifully for an outstanding sip that allows the aroma of a cool summer evening to brighten your taste buds and enhance this enjoyable dram.
Gather some firewood, sit yourself down in a comfy chair and pour yourself a dram of whiskey that's built for a summer full of good times by the campfire!