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Toasting with whisky has a long tradition throughout the world, with the action eventually evolving into raising a glass to friends and fellows as a gesture of thanks, celebration, an ode to the fallen, or to the health of their companions.
In some cultures (imagine cowboys in the Old West), a toast was used to gauge the “gameness” of one’s companions. In this sense, a toast was rarely sipped; rather, the drink was drained, throwing down the gauntlet to see if others could match you, drink for drink.
Some cultures still follow this tradition, such as Russia, where drinking and toasting in this manner is an integral part of doing business. Opting out would be a serious faux pas, especially when important deals were on the table.
In the 1600s, drinking at a table without first toasting to the host’s health or a guest of honor was considered uncouth. And since toasting was largely a man’s domain, men and women would separate after the meal, and the toasting and drinking games would begin in earnest.
In the Victorian age, toasting was refined to reflect the good manners of the time, focusing on celebrating virtues. Toasting became more common in mixed company, and the quality of the toast was celebrated rather than the quantity of the drink, prompting friendly competition among friends to see who could deliver the most moving tribute.
Distilling made its way into North American culture by Scottish and Irish immigrants who brought their traditions with them. In those days, whisky was the drink of choice for cowboys in the Old West, embraced by cowboys, ranchers, and settlers as a deeply rooted part of their lifestyle.
Before whisky became regulated, Western saloons built their reputation on the quality of their whisky, and cowboys came from miles around to drink at watering holes that distilled and poured the best.
During the gold rush, whisky was the drink of choice and a constant companion for the hardworking cowboys of those times. The toasting tradition traveled with those settlers, and it wasn’t unusual to hear salutes like “Here’s mud in your eye!” or “To the trail ahead!” before consuming a drink.
While the source of the first toast is unclear, it became popular in Western taverns of the 1890s. Some say it could reference horseracing, as riders behind the lead horse would undoubtedly have mud kicked up into their faces. If this is true, it would be like a challenge, the toaster stating his undeniable superiority.
“To the trail ahead” is easier to decipher as a lucky send-off to wherever the trail leads.
Some others of the time were a little more elaborate and poetic:
“May you never lose a stirrup, may you never waste a loop; May your can stay full of syrup, and your gizzard full of whoop!” (S. Omar Barker, “The Cowboy’s Poet”)
However you like to toast, most of us have a favorite cheer we use when raising a glass with friends. Today, we’d like to think that what’s in your glass is just as important, and if you’re a fan of Western culture, that means good whisky.
Pendleton® Whisky was born in the West and celebrates the hardworking men and women who make our way of life possible. The craftsmanship that goes into each bottle reflects the history of our country, making it the best way to toast with friends. Whether it’s cocktails around the fire or after a long day working on the ranch, you can taste the tradition in every sip.
So, before you raise a glass, fill it with the spirit of the West. Stock your bar and fill your flask with Pendleton® Whisky – and here’s to you: you’ve earned it.
