Overview:
The Whiskey Leatherworks Traveling Mixologist Kit classes up any outdoor occasion. The campaign-style waxed canvas (available in two colors) and Horween leather are reminiscent of gear that Teddy Roosevelt would have brought on safari.
The nine-piece bartender roll houses nine essential tools, including a two-piece shaker cup, a pair of rugged stainless-steel tumblers, a shot measuring cup, a paring knife for garnish, a muddler, a long-handled mixing spoon, a paring knife for garnish, a bottle opener, and a strainer.
The Traveling Mixologist Kit really shines at the tailgate after a long hunt or in a drift boat or raft during a day on the river. There have been numerous occasions where we’ve celebrated an epic day on the water or a successful day afield over a few drinks. Two situations come to mind immediately:
Several years ago, we floated a northern Michigan river in February. As Midwesterners know all-too well, that’s knee-deep in winter. Typical for the time of year, the snow was deep, and the air was bitter cold. As we bombed streamers into the slush, ice accumulated on our line guides and our fingers grew numb in the frigid air. By the time late- finally beached the boat and set up camp, our core-temperatures indicated it was none-too soon.
Not that alcohol would improve matters, but after the tent was set up and the chairs unpacked, I got to work on the libations anyway – in this case, a cocktail known as the Drunken Sapsucker. The Traveling Mixologist Kit made short work of the measurements, and I used the knife to appropriate a perfect curly-Q of lemon-peel as garnish. A few minutes later we were comfortably sitting fireside, scoffing at the brittle conditions and the sulky trout.
In another instance, we were chasing grouse in December. The day had started out gray and calm, and the ground was still bare. By late afternoon, as we were lamenting a string of misses, it began to snow. Before long, several inches lay on the ground, and it was difficult to see fifty yards ahead. We beat feet for the truck. Beneath a grove of trees, I reached into the truck bed, pulled out the Traveling Mixologist Kit, and whipped up a trio of tailgate Manhattans.
No, we hadn’t brought any late-season birds to bag, but it had been a great day in the woods with dogs and friends, and we’d witnessed the season’s first snowfall. Something felt special about that.
What I Like:
Leather and waxed canvas are two of my favorite materials, so that’s an automatic positive. Plus, the OCD elf living in my head delights in the fact that each of these tools has a specific place to call home. In other words, the muddler has a pouch dedicated just for that.
When we’re talking about leather and waxed canvas, durability is more or less implied. Besides, unlike nylon, as the folks at Filson are quick to add, these materials gain character with use. Plus, the option for monograming adds a personalized touch.
What I Don’t Like:
The outer leather strap is spare and stretched over time. A heavier belt-gauge strap would be better suited for the purpose.
And now a feature I’d like to see added to this kit: a few screw-top vials. So many cocktails call for bitters in various flavors, but a few dashes are all that are normally needed. A couple pinky finger-sized water-tight vials for would make this kit even more complete.
Performance Tip: Don’t forget to wash the utensils when you get home. Finding the sticky remnants of last outing’s cocktail isn’t overly appetizing.
Perfect For: The Traveling Mixologist is perfect for on-the-go sportsmen who find themselves far from a bar but still appreciate a touch of class after their outdoor excursions.
Rating: I’d give this product a 4.5/5, simply because the leather strap needs an upgrade. Otherwise, it’s a durable and classy piece of equipment.
Learn more here.
Drunken Sapsucker Recipe:
This northern Michigan-inspired cocktail was shared with be me by my buddy Jake.
Here are the ingredients:
2 1/2 oz. bourbon (I prefer Four Roses Small Batch)
1/2-oz. Limoncello
Dash of maple syrup (the real stuff, not Log Cabin)
Pour over ice and garnish with lemon peel
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