If you don’t like whiskey, this post isn’t for you. Keep on scrolling.

It’s no secret that I like to climb mountains. Often that makes for long days, tough terrain, and fierce weather. When I am done with something especially hard, when my legs are spent, and I have that combo of exhaustion and joy, I have one beverage that signifies effort well spent and a beautiful day lived fully. A [not so wee] dram of whiskey.

Mountains and whiskey/whisky are a good pairing. I’ve been a devoted fan of both for a long time.

I could highlight my favorites from all over the world, but I’m dedicating this to my favorites in the USA.

⭐Deerhammer American Single Malt (Buena Vista, CO): Barley mash from all Colorado grain, pot still built for big flavor, not industrial efficiency. Every step of the whiskey making process is carried out by hand at the distillery. Absolutely Delicious. Pairs well with a Fourteener. (If you aren’t a mountain person, that’s a mountain peak above 14,000 feet).

⭐Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Straight American Whiskey (Kirby, WY population 76 people): Blend of two mashbill ryes and utilizing water from the Madison Formation in WY. Small batch aged in Kirby in a very harsh environment. Smooth and distinctive. Pairs well with day out on Gannett Peak or backcountry snowshoeing in the Tetons.

⭐Pendelton Whisky Directors’ Reserve (Hood River, Oregon): Mass production whiskey house, and I’m not a fan of the whole portfolio, but this one is special. Aged 20-years, American Oak, Water from Mt. Hood. I had it first at a rodeo (another passion of mine), and true to its origins at the Pendelton round-up, it feels like the right way to celebrate hard work. Pairs well with big climbs on Baker or Rainer.

Nothing beats putting my feet up and celebrating a great day giving it all I have in the mountains. Sure, I have plenty of favorites from Japan, Scotland, Canada, and Ireland, but right now, I’m enjoying some thoughtful artisanship close to the mountains that are near and dear to my heart. Do you have a favorite I should try? Drop it below.