5-time Olympic snowboarder Shaun White’s efficiency snow model, Whitespace, in collaboration with Excessive West Distillery, dropped limited-edition merch with 20% of the proceeds benefiting Excessive West’s Shield the West initiative, with funds benefiting Shield our Winters, a company devoted to preserving out of doors playgrounds from local weather change.
Photographs by Mike Dawson
Each Shaun and Excessive West are dedicated to preserving the great thing about the West. Because the Whiskey of the West and an athlete born and educated within the West, each are devoted to defending and nurturing the land they name dwelling. This co-branded launch goals to amplify consciousness and motion across the trigger. We ask Shaun to inform us extra.
Inform us concerning the tasks you might be engaged on.
I’ve saved busy since retiring and am engaged on some thrilling tasks. One of many greatest is The Snow League, the first-ever skilled winter sports activities league for snowboarding and freeskiing, launching its inaugural season this yr. Then there’s WHITESPACE, my namesake model, which has been a real ardour challenge – we simply got here out with a brand new line. I’ve additionally been working with Excessive West Distillery on their Shield the West initiative. I’ve at all times liked their whiskeys, nevertheless it was the Shield the West mission that basically drew me in. They’ve been unimaginable in supporting organizations devoted to preserving the West, and I’m proud that we may prolong the partnership with a WHITESPACE co-branded assortment—20% of the proceeds go on to benefiting Shield the West so be certain to buy at www.highwest.com when you can.
Along with your busy schedule, what do you love to do along with your downtime?
Even after I’m not touring, I often do one thing bodily daily, I attempt to be energetic. Whether or not it’s a motorcycle journey, a sport of pickleball, or a lightweight exercise, I at all times attempt to maintain transferring. However after I’m not being bodily, I like simply kicking again and spending time with family and friends.
Whenever you exit to eat, the place do you prefer to dine?
My two favourite eating places in Las Vegas are Weera Thai and Esther’s Kitchen. Once I’m in LA, I like Scratch Kitchen or Uchi.
What varieties of dishes do you usually order?
I’m attempting to keep away from consuming meat as a lot as I can nowadays, and I’ve been doing a terrific job with sticking to a plant-based eating regimen. I like a salad or a heat grain bowl and can load it up with all of the veggies they will match on there. I additionally am a giant sushi fan – and each sort of roll. I’m not too choosy!
Any favourite bars?
At any time when I’m in Park Metropolis, my first cease is at all times the Excessive West Saloon downtown. You possibly can ski or board proper to the Saloon from Park Metropolis Mountain on a path known as Quittin’ Time —there’s no higher spot for après.
Submit retirement, I’ve been spending quite a lot of time in Aspen in the course of the winters, and I like The Snow Lodge and the bar at The St Regis there.
In NYC, I like Jean’s and Fouquet’s.
What drinks do you order when out? Favourite drink?
My go-to drink is an Previous Long-established with Excessive West Bourbon, particularly in the course of the colder months. It’s received that good spiced taste, making it the perfect sipper after a day on the slopes. For one thing that’s somewhat extra particular, I’ll pour myself a glass of Excessive West A Midwinter Evening’s Dram. Nothing beats sitting by the hearth, sipping on a glass of Dram– it’s the right pour for these cozy winter nights.
Do you put together drinks at dwelling?
I’m continuously on the go, however after I’m dwelling, I like having associates over and making drinks for the crew. I’m no knowledgeable, however I prefer to assume I can combine up a reasonably respectable cocktail.
Inform us about your house bar. What’s it stocked with?
Las Vegas is dwelling base for me, so I made certain to arrange a reasonably candy bar there—and it’s been much more stocked since teaming up with Excessive West. The Excessive West Double Rye and Bourbon are my go-to’s for cocktails, however I at all times maintain a couple of bottles of Rendezvous Rye readily available for particular events to serve neat.
Have you ever ever been a bartender?
Sadly, I by no means had the prospect rising up—I used to be busy again then! However hey, by no means say by no means, proper? That’s sort of been my motto since I retired.
