Pendleton® Whisky is synonymous with the rugged and adventurous spirit of the American West. Our story has Western roots that run deep into local history, from the Pendleton Round-Up to the community of Pendleton, OR and the rich heritage that comes to life in every sip.
The city of Pendleton, OR gained notoriety during the early 20th century, becoming known as “The Real West.” Pendleton is also the home of the Pendleton Round-Up, America’s oldest and one of the best-known rodeos. Since 1910, this non-profit rodeo has been one of the most significant economic events of the year, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the area, boosting local businesses, and honoring the incredible legacy and the spirit of the Old West.
Our whisky was born of Western tradition, blending the rich heritage of rodeo culture with the craftsmanship of whiskey making, producing a spirit that invites adventure and celebrates a time when life was simpler and pleasures were always shared among friends. Whiskey was easily the most popular drink in the Wild West, served up in saloons and sipped by cowboys on their breaks from cattle drives through the mountains. Men gathered in saloons of the West to drink whiskey and socialize.
Straight whiskey was the drink of choice in the Wild West, but it didn’t always taste good. Saloons of the West often made their own whiskey, much of which was referred to as “rotgut,” alluding to its poor quality. Popular whiskey recipes from the 1800’s could contain anything from tobacco and red peppers to rattlesnake heads!
That is not to say all whiskey of this era was terrible; many saloon proprietors took their distilling very seriously and were proud of the product they produced. The bars with the best spirits were the most popular with local cowboys, helping saloons of the West to build dedicated followings and devotees of particular brands and whiskey styles.
Whiskey became regulated in 1906, and the quality began to improve. No more rattlesnake heads, horseshoes, or hot peppers were required. Methods drew on time-honored traditions established in Scotland and Ireland with a purely American twist. American oak barrels were used almost exclusively, and the true spirit of the West was born.
Pendleton® Whisky was inspired by this rich tradition, celebrating the Western way of life and keeping the spirit of community alive. Our “Hands that Build the West” series brings to life stories of people who carry on the Western tradition. In watching these stories, you’ll notice a common theme: the people we feature have direct ties to cowboy culture through their work.
Embracing the spirit of the Wild West and the enduring legacy of rodeo culture, we proudly partner with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), a venerable and leading organization in the world of rodeo. Our collective goal is to enhance the entertainment experience and further cultivate the thriving sport of PRORODEO. As the Official Whisky and national sponsor of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), we are committed to supporting the exhilarating sport of bull riding in prominent venues nationwide, where elite riders engage in high-stakes competition.
Pendleton® Whisky is also proud to partner with the Bob Woodruff Foundation because we know their work directly, immediately, and positively impacts veterans, service members, and their families.
Through our partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Pendleton® Whisky military program supports direct services for veterans in the areas of education, employment, mental health and wellness, food insecurity and housing. We are donating $100,000 from the proceeds of bottle sales to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and with every purchase of the Pendleton® Whisky Military Edition bottle, you can help.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) also plays a significant role in celebrating the Western way of life and keeping the spirit alive. Our partnership with RMEF upholds the tradition of hunting and conservation in the American West, conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat while improving access to our public lands for cowboys, ranchers and everyone else to use and enjoy. Their mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.
The Pendleton Round-Up is another way we celebrate the Old West, as these hard-working cowboys, cowgirls, volunteers and makers come together to show the world what they’re made of. And what better way to honor them than with the Pendleton® Whisky Champions Edition that unfolds on the palate, layer by layer, drawing you in closer as it reveals its story with every sip you take?
As we look forward to the next Round-Up, we saddle up and carry on with the work of making a whisky you’ll be proud to enjoy with friends, or anytime you want to evoke the spirit of the American West.
Pick up a bottle of Pendleton® Whisky today or order online to get it delivered to your door.
© 2024 Pendleton Distillers, Lawrenceburg, IN. Please drink responsibly.
LETER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.