Word Around the Campfire by Justin Lavenue | Westland Cocktail Collective

Justin Lavenue invites you to gather around the metaphorical campfire for a unique whiskey cocktail experience. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest and the comforting warmth of a crackling fire, this recipe showcases the rich, smoky notes of Westland Single Malt Whiskey in a way you've never tasted before. Try this medium-level cocktail at home to sharpen your home bartending skills.

Justin Lavenue, from the Roosevelt Room in Austin Texas. He approaches with the impotence to lean into storytelling. Lavenue seeks to create cocktails that evoke a sense of nostalgia or tell a story of time and place. So, with Westland Flagship, Justin creates a unique twist on a beloved classic. He describes this as, “A whiskey sour that’s made to emulate the feeling you get when you’re hanging around the campfire with your friends and family.”

"Word Around the Campfire" isn't just a name; it's an invitation to conversation, connection, and shared enjoyment. This complex cocktail combines the familiar smoke background notes of Westland whiskey with unexpected elements like marshmallow fluff, miso shio koji, and a touch of licorice. The result is a comforting cocktail that fills the palate with layers of flavor.


The Recipe: Word Around the Campfire

• 1 ¾ oz Westland American Single Malt Whiskey
• 1 oz Birch Water Syrup (1:1 ratio, or regular Cane Sugar Syrup)
• ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¼ oz Palo Cortado Sherry
• ¼ oz Heavy Cream
• ⅛ oz Miso Shio Koji
• 1 Tablespoon Marshmallow Fluff
• 1 Egg White
• 3 dashes Bob's Liquorice Bitters
• 3 dashes Campfire Bitters (or similar smoked bitters)
• Grated Dark Chocolate and Graham Cracker for garnish

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients except the garnishes in a cobbler shaker.
2. Whisk vigorously with an electric whisk until well-combined and frothy.
3. Add cubed ice to the shaker.
4. Shake well for 10 seconds to chill and emulsify.
5. Double-strain into a chilled large coupe glass.
6. Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the surface of the cocktail to create a delicate meringue layer. (Be careful not to overheat the drink.)
7. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate and graham cracker crumbs.

The Westland whiskey provides a grounding base, reminiscent of the smoky campfire itself. The birch water syrup (or cane sugar syrup) adds a touch of sweetness, in the like with toasted marshmallows. The miso shio koji and sherry bring a unique savory depth, while the heavy cream and egg white create a luxuriously smooth texture. Finally, the licorice bitters and campfire bitters add a whisper of smoke and spice, echoing the embers glowing in the night.

On the flavors of Westland as a starting point, Justin shares that, “Westland really reminds me of where it’s made in the Pacific Northwest.” The flavors speak to the environment, rich and full of trees. Lavenue shares that, “Westland has these really nice campfire, toasted marshmallow, crème brulee notes to it. It’s a really beautiful balance and a wonderfully complex spirit.” Each bottle of whiskey we make boasts a remarkable combination of flavors that tells the story of place. But it is just the starting point in creative recipe expressions such as Lavenue’s Word Around the Campfire.


Craft your own "Word Around the Campfire" cocktail and share your experience on social media using #WestlandWhiskey #CocktailCollective. Let's connect and celebrate the art of whiskey and good company. Cheers!