The Pacific Northwest pairing of Filson and Westland Distillery is a natural fit, rooted in craftsmanship and a shared appreciation for rugged, enduring design. Westland introduces Coldfoot, a limited-edition American single malt whiskey, launching on February 20th, while Filson is releasing a complementary line of branded outdoor goods. The collaboration blends heritage, storytelling, and practical style—elements that reflect both brands’ ties to the region.
The Filson collection draws on earth-tone palettes and classic, slightly playful designs that are likely to become favorites. Packaging for Coldfoot is especially thoughtful: the label and wrapper evoke prospectors’ leather ore bags, reinforcing the whiskey’s historical inspiration and the tactile spirit of the collaboration.
“Both brands make real things in time-honored ways with an integrity that comes from understanding the essence of the Pacific Northwest at an elemental level. We’ve been long-time friends and partners and it’s great to finally collaborate to create something as exciting as Coldfoot.”
Coldfoot whiskey takes its name and inspiration from the Klondike Gold Rush era of the late 1800s. Seattle served as a key gateway for prospectors heading north on treacherous journeys—trips that shaped companies like Filson, founded to outfit those who ventured into harsh wilderness.
Most prospectors followed the established route to Dawson, Alaska. A smaller, hardier group pushed even farther north into more unforgiving terrain to a camp called Coldfoot. Of the roughly 2,000 newcomers who set out on the stampede, only about 200 endured to stake claims there—the rest got “cold feet.” That spirit of perseverance is central to the whiskey’s story.
Westland is producing just 978 bottles of Coldfoot, making it a very limited release. Enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to act quickly.
Coldfoot Edition 1
(750 ml, 50% ABV, $99.99; 978 bottles total)
Nose: Dried apple slices, walnuts, waffle cone, whipped cream.
Palate: Marble rye, cacao, dried blueberry, espresso.
Summary: This inaugural edition draws primarily from Westland’s five-year-old stocks. The vatting includes a dry-style Sherry cask, contributing depth and richness without overt sweetness. Rather than relying on pronounced smoke, the inclusion of a heavily peated component broadens and refines the spirit’s diffuse character, adding complexity and length to the profile.
Filson Coldfoot Collection
(Made in U.S.A., prices vary; typically $3–$145)
Filson’s cobranded line includes T-shirts, caps, stickers, a pullover hoodie, and a stoneware shot glass, each bearing artwork inspired by the loneliness and challenge of the trail to Coldfoot. The graphics reference folklore and tall tales from the mining camp, bringing narrative and character to practical outdoor pieces that match Filson’s reputation for durability and utility.
For updates, follow the Coldfoot whiskey Instagram handle. The whiskey is available through select retailers. Filson’s Coldfoot goods can be purchased directly from Filson’s official store.