Travel-Friendly Whiskeys for Your Backpack

Travel-Friendly Whiskeys for Your Backpack

Enjoying a fine whiskey amidst the great outdoors is a time-honored tradition, but transporting delicate bottles into rugged terrain poses challenges. Fortunately, many distilleries now cater to outdoor enthusiasts with durable and portable options. From sleek stainless steel cans to flask-friendly designs, these bottles ensure you can indulge in your favorite spirits without burdening your backpack. Whether sipped fireside or savored at the summit, these outdoor-friendly bottles elevate your outdoor experience without sacrificing precious pack space.

Best Overall Bottle for Your Backpack: Tincup Adventure Pack

The Tincup Adventure Pack offers the ultimate solution for whiskey enthusiasts on the move. Crafted for adventurers, this American whiskey comes in a 375ml double-walled, stainless steel bottle, ensuring durability even in rugged terrain. Its innovative design includes a tin cup topper, allowing for easy pouring and enjoyment in remote settings. Renowned expedition climber and filmmaker Renan Ozturk attests to its resilience, having taken it to the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia. With Tincup Adventure Pack, you can savor your favorite whiskey anywhere, whether perched on a rock, resting on a tree stump, or lounging in a hammock amidst nature's beauty.

Best Whiskey for Your Backpack: Garrison Brothers Boot Flask

Garrison Brothers Boot Flask offers a unique solution for whiskey lovers seeking portability without compromising quality. This 375ml glass bottle is filled with award-winning small batch bourbon, boasting a robust 94-proof liquid that delivers a memorable kick. Designed to fit snugly inside a boot, the ergonomic flask is ideal for on-the-go enjoyment. Upon nosing, expect aromas of saddle leather, reflective of its Texas origins, along with notes of pound cake and baking spices. The finish is long and complex, making it the perfect companion for starlit nights and outdoor adventures.

Chef’s Pick for Best Bottle: High West Double Rye

Chef Matt Vawter, proprietor of Rootstalk and Radicato restaurants in Breckenridge, CO, shares his top pick for campfire libations: High West Double Rye. Whether sipping it neat by the fire or pouring from a trusty flask during hut trips, Vawter appreciates its versatility and compatibility with hearty camp cuisine like steak and potatoes. High West Double Rye boasts a medley of flavors that complement outdoor adventures, including hints of mint, herbal tea, and wildflower honey.

Best Bottle for Your Flask: Stranahan’s Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey

For outdoor enthusiasts with limited space, Stranahan’s Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey is the ideal companion for mountain adventures. Named after a towering peak in Aspen, this whiskey is aged for four years in American oak barrels, infusing it with rich flavors of creamy butterscotch, brown sugar, and baked apples. Best enjoyed in the crisp mountain air, it pairs perfectly with a hearty ribeye cooked over an open fire or a simple bag of trail mix. With its slightly higher proof of 86, it's tailor-made for filling flasks, ensuring a warm and toasty flavor experience from campfire to final destination, as noted by Stranahan’s Head Blender, Justin Aden.

Best Liquor to Spike Your Coffee at the Campsite: First Light Coffee Whiskey 

For those seeking a spirited start to their adventures, First Light Coffee Whiskey offers the perfect solution. Co-founders Ryan Espi and David Elizondo, avid surfers from San Diego, understand the desire for a boozy pick-me-up before hitting the water or trails. That's why they've crafted an "Adventure Pack" featuring eight 100ml bottles of their coffee-infused whiskey, ideal for on-the-go enjoyment. Tuck a couple of these mini bottles into your backpack and elevate your camping experience by spiking your morning coffee as you savor the aroma of sizzling bacon. With its real coffee extract and raw blue agave, this whiskey also serves as a delightful indulgence after a day spent in the backcountry winter hut.

Best Boozy Batched Cocktail for Your Backpack: Bulleit Old Fashioned

For those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality, The Cocktail Collection offers a game-changing solution. Their pre-made cocktails, featuring trusted brands like Tanqueray and Ketel One, come in 375ml bottles—perfectly sized for portability. Whether you're craving a classic Negroni or an indulgent Espresso Martini, these premium, pre-batched concoctions deliver on flavor and convenience. I recently sampled the Bulleit Old Fashioned, crafted with Kentucky bourbon, and was thoroughly impressed by its balanced notes of bitter orange and nutmeg. Enjoy it neat or over ice if available; either way, the satin-finished glass bottle ensures durability and easy handling on any adventure.

Most Portable Bottle: Stillhouse Peanut Butter and S’mores Whiskey

Stillhouse has revolutionized the way we enjoy spirits on the go with their innovative line of stainless steel canned cocktails. Designed for adventure, these unbreakable cans chill rapidly and fit seamlessly into any backpack. From whiskey to vodka and bourbon infused with small-batch coffee beans, Stillhouse offers a diverse range of flavors to suit every palate. Among their standout offerings is the Peanut Butter and S’mores Whiskey, boasting a delightful combination of salty and sweet notes. While not your typical sipping whiskey, it's perfect for sharing around the campfire, whether enjoyed neat or mixed into creative cocktails like the PB&J shot or a spiked coffee or hot chocolate.