There’s no scarcity of aprés spots in Aspen, Colorado, however a go to to Silver Metropolis Mountain Saloon (pictured) will reward you with an ample choice of whiskies. (Picture by Chris Council and Emily Chaplin)
Whether or not you’re a skier or a snowboarder, or a laidback lodge dweller, there’s one thing that unites all of us: the après ski expertise. Whereas there are après ski spots aplenty that tout sturdy beer lists, discovering one with a standout whisky choice is extra of a problem. However relaxation assured that such bars do exist, livening up main resorts throughout the nation.
Whiskey All The Means
Excessive West Saloon—Park Metropolis, Utah
Positioned on the base of the Stop’n Time ski run at Park Metropolis Resort, Excessive West Saloon payments itself because the world’s first and solely ski-in/ski-out gastro-distillery.
Whereas beer and wine can be found, the main target right here is on whiskey—even the meals is made to pair with Excessive West drams and cocktails. The distillery’s 4 core whiskeys can be found as particular person pours or in a flight, and the cocktail menu is effectively value exploring—sit back and luxuriate in among the many drinks on provide, which embody such specialised winter heaters as twists on the new toddy, just like the Glorietta Go ($15) that blends Excessive West Double Rye! with Jamaican rum, apple brandy, cardamaro, and earl gray tea, and riffs on Irish espresso.
Upscale Aprés
The Deal with Bar—Jackson Gap, Wyo.
The Deal with Bar—run by chef Michael Mina’s restaurant group—is positioned by the bottom of the slopes of 4 Seasons Jackson Gap in Teton Village; the bar overlooks the Teton Mountains.
An inventory of over 50 whiskies, with pours like Yamazaki 12 yr previous ($32/2 oz.), WhistlePig 15 yr previous ($8/2 oz.), or Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 yr previous ($95/2 oz.), consists of wintry cocktails too. Heat up with the Honey Drip ($18), which mixes Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch bourbon with honey, ginger, and lemon.
Western Lore and Bourbon Galore
Silver Metropolis Mountain Saloon—Aspen, Colo.
Not fairly ski-in, however Silver Metropolis touts an enviable easy-access location, being virtually on the base of Aspen Mountain Ski Resort and its Little Nell carry.
Unbuckle your ski boots and sip on considered one of Silver Metropolis’s many bourbons, which vary from acquainted favorites like Buffalo Hint and Basil Hayden’s (each $13/2 oz.) to extra esoteric names like Garrison Bros. Balmorhea ($29) and even rarefied finds like Van Winkle 12 yr previous Particular Reserve ($85). Whereas cocktails can be found upon request, the true deal with right here is exploring whisky neat or on the rocks.
The Native Watering Gap
Clocktower Cellar—Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
Clocktower Cellar is positioned within the basement of the Alpenhof Lodge, which itself sits on the base of Mammoth Mountain Ski Space. Heat up and benefit from the dive-bar vibe, bar video games, the unique décor, and Bavarian-style menu.
With over 170 whiskies to select from, there’s one thing for everybody. Whenever you’re contemporary off the paths at Mammoth, heat up with a barrel-aged Manhattan ($9). Clocktower Cellar additionally affords a “whiskey of the week,” the place the featured whiskey is just $5/2 oz. pour.
An East Coast Expertise
The Whiskey Room—Burlington, Vt.
There are dozens of ski areas close to Burlington, which makes town an excellent central resting spot if you happen to’re seeking to hit multiple resort in a single journey. The Whiskey Room, located proper off Burlington’s famed Church Road, is a good place to finish a day on the slopes.
Its menu consists of signature cocktails and loads of whisky. Splurge with a pour of A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 yr previous bourbon ($300/2 oz.), cross the pond with Glenmorangie Delight ($700/2 oz.), or keep in-state with domestically made drams.
