In 1897, two thousand hardy fortune seekers broke from the stampede to Dawson and followed their own lonely trail to Coldfoot, Alaska. 175 miles above the arctic circle, the desolate outpost earned its name as the turnaround-point for prospectors who got “cold feet” heading to the northernmost gold fields and turned back. The toughest survived and stuck it out—with only 200 going on to stake their claim. They stayed not for the gold, which was scarce and hard won, but for their total independence and clarity of purpose.
For Filson and our partners at Westland, these determined few are representative of our shared belief in one’s steadfast commitment to their own path, and that the integrity of their work and the depth of their experience is its own reward. This collection serves as a tribute to their unrelenting spirit and as an inspiration to endure.
The first edition of Coldfoot American Single Malt commemorates the spirit of exploration and those places when independent paths come together to revel in the journey. Combining several signature elements of Westland’s house style into one bottle, this whiskey marks a moment in time and serves as a milepost in an ongoing expedition into the unknown possibilities of single malt whiskey in America.
Filson has created this new collection inspired by the struggle and solitude of the trail to Coldfoot. Each piece features custom graphics capturing the spirit of the folklore and tall tales from the storied mining camp.
Location: Westland Distillery
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Westland Distillery & Filson are proud to introduce Coldfoot Whiskey – strong whiskey for stronger wills. Come to Westland Distillery and be the first to try it out – it’s the only place you can buy our whiskey in-person (it will also be available online). Event is 21+.
Live music by Naked Giants
Filson x Coldfoot Apparel
Food from Sea Creatures
Event link: COLDFOOT.EVENTBRITE.COM
Tickets: $25
Filson and Westland are cut from the same cloth. Based in Seattle, Washington, both companies make real things in time-honored ways with an integrity that comes from understanding the essence of the Pacific Northwest at an elemental level. The story of the stampede to remote Coldfoot—a harrowing journey that began and ended in Seattle—is a perfect symbol of the grit, perseverance and ambition this region has imprinted onto both brands. While Filson and Westland are each dedicated to their own paths, they share the common spirit that is rooted in the opening of the West and the sensibilities it takes to not only survive here, but thrive in what are the outer edges of the known world.
