Distilled: Elevated Campfire S'mores

With a name that quite literally means you are going to want more, it’s not hard to understand why and how S’mores became such a wildly popular treat.

Practically synonymous with campfires and summer, this treat is uniquely wrapped in a blanket of nostalgia and feels like a throwback to simpler times.  A delicacy that announces it's arrival with the presence of graham crackers, Hershey Chocolate bars and a bag of marshmallows assembled on a tray - to the delight, cheers and excitement from all ages. 

Perhaps its the joy of being actively involved in the preparation of the treat you are about to enjoy, or the fun of deciding the exact moment to pull the marshmallow from the fire to test whether it has achieved peak gooeyness, meltiness and toasted exterior that makes it such a beloved treat.

 Or the fact that it is part science experiment, part gourmet experience, where the element of watching the marshmallow melt the chocolate bar as the top of the graham cracker is pushed down to quite literally meld the flavors together is tantamount to the taste. Or the fact that you don't need more than 3 ingredients for a delectable treat, and discovering who amongst those gather around the campfire or firepit likes theirs burnt to a crisp 

(there is always someone), or seeing who sneaks a few of the marshmallows before they make it to the fire - but we pretty much all agree that s'mores are without a doubt a true and simple pleasure all around. 

Now  we certainly aren’t here to say you can (or should) improve upon perfection, or that s’mores need any recrafting after being a part of our national lexicon since they were formally introduced in the 1920's (believe it or not there are even reports of versions of this treat existing long before that)! Generally understood to be somewhat tied to girl scouts and boy scouts - the idea does seem destined to be intertwined with a group of resourceful campers who prepare simple meals around a campfire (and are known for a bevvy of other eponymous treats). 

Yet, we are also aren’t ones to see if we can’t elevate the simplicity of this dish somewhat. Not everything needs a makeover - and surely some things are better left untouched - but  honestly when we think of chocolate delicacies we can’t help but wonder what a grown up version of s'mores would taste like with the addition of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Nib Brittle. 

Naturally, once this idea of a taste test popped into our minds we simply had to see it through. For you. Honestly its the least we can do. Really we don’t mind. 

The result is a truly spectacular combination that somehow maintains the simple, nostalgic feeling, while providing flavor that tastes and feels sophisticated. Still requiring only three ingredients, and still perfect for gathering around a campfire or fire pit, this pairs well with a late summer or early fall campfire, with a cocktail and a bevvy of children running free with the fireflies. 

 The waft of smoke from a campfire or fire pit always elicits a strong visceral reaction - one that instantly transports you to childhood, of rustling in the woods for the perfect stick to place your marshmallow upon, of laughter and maybe even scary stories. It’s nostalgia personified. Summer in a snapshot. It’s also easily recreated and never fails to recapture the same feelings. Enjoy these Pappyfied Summer S'mores as we all hold on to the last magical minutes of summer and the early crisp promise of fall nights. 

Recipe Tester Notes: While we didn't test our S'mores out with our other equally as delicious Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Brittle  that is infused with the addition of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee, we have a sneaking suspicion that it would be equally as decadent and delicious. If you try it out - let us know!