This Unique Finishing Process Makes Pendleton Midnight an Unforgettable Sipper

This article was produced in partnership with Pendleton Whisky

Whisky is a complex spirit, with an array of flavors that range from vanilla to spice to fruit and well beyond. But the complexity of a whisky’s palate should never be taken to mean the spirit itself is overly complicated or unapproachable. Long gone are the days when whisky was a stodgy spirit enjoyed by old men sipping from snifters in front of a roaring fireplace. Whisky needn't be intimidating. On the contrary, it should be approachable and welcoming because, after all, the whole point of whisky is to actually enjoy it.

That's certainly the case with Pendleton Whisky, a brand trademarked by smooth and affable spirits that, according to its credo, are a good choice for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest. Whether that means enjoying a drink with friends, heading out on an adventure, or even watching (or participating in) a rodeo, Pendleton Whisky is the people's whisky.

All of that certainly applies to Midnight, a versatile expression in the core Pendleton Whisky lineup that's made for sipping or mixing. Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy whisky–however you like to drink it is the right way for you.

Pendleton Whisky's Wild Roots

Pendleton Whisky’s roots are in Canada, but its true western flavor and character comes from its roots in Oregon—specifically, Hood River in the Cascade Region. Towering over the landscape is the iconic Mt. Hood, which plays an important role in this whisky’s story. Its glacier-fed waters are used to cut the whisky down to proof, and this step really matters. The quality of the water you use in the whisky-making process affects its flavor, and it’s hard to find H2O as pure and clear as this ice-cold, mountain-born liquid.

Pendleton Midnight: A Smooth Operator

This brings us to Midnight. It takes the classic Pendleton Whisky blend and dials up the flavor by finishing a portion of the blend for six years in American brandy barrels. This unique step has imbued the whisky with a new range of flavors that complement rather than obscure the palate.

There are notes of baking spice like nutmeg and cinnamon, some black pepper, fresh dark berries, dried fruits, apple, and vanilla. The proof is amped up to 90, which brings a bit of heat but also helps to augment the character of this lovely and assertive whisky. Even so, it’s still a smooth sipper you can enjoy on its own or in a cocktail.

Speaking of cocktails, try substituting Midnight for your favorite whisky (or whiskey) in a classic drink, like an old fashioned. Midnight's ability to transform tried-and-true flavors makes it a stealthy secret ingredient.

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Midnight—aside from neat, of course.

Midnight Manhattan

The Midnight Manhattan is a Pendleton Whisky riff on a classic, combining Midnight, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, stirred and served up in a coupe glass with a brandied cherry for garnish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Pendleton Midnight

• 0.75 oz sweet vermouth

• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Stir ingredients very well with ice.

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.

3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Midnight Boulevardier

The Midnight Boulevardier is made from equal parts Midnight, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and brings a bit of spice and dried fruit flavor to this classic.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Pendleton Midnight

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth

• 1 orange peel

Instructions

1. Stir ingredients very well with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

2. Garnish with an orange peel.

Midnight Shindig

If you’re feeling fancy, Midnight Shindig is worth a try. Dissolve bitters and sugar together, add Midnight, pour into a flute, and top with Champagne.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Pendleton Midnight

• 1 sugar cube

• 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters

• Champagne

Instructions

1. In a stirring glass, add sugar cube and aromatic bitters and muddle well into a paste.

2. Add Pendleton Midnight and ice, then stir for 10 seconds.

3. Pour mixture into a flute glass and top with Champagne.

There's so much whisky out there to choose from these days, and sometimes the options can feel overwhelming or redundant. But Midnight stands out from the pack due to its higher proof, Canadian whisky-making know-how, and use of glacial water from the Pacific Northwest.

Keep this bottle handy on your home bar. It’s one you’ll want to revisit over and over again. We like to reach for it as a celebratory pour after a long day of work, reuniting with old friends, or when we want to savor something sweet—like the quiet hours around a campfire after a long day of hiking and exploring.

Find your own Midnight moments and be sure to capture them and tag #MakeItMidnight on social media.

[$45.99; pendletonwhisky.com]