Back coutry barrel
Smoked Old Fashioned kit designed for heli-skiers—elevating après-ski to an entirely new level of flavor and experience.
Après-ski REINVENTED
Project Goal
Research, design, and prototype a coffee or tea set tailored to a specific, unconventional archetype and unique use case.
Après-ski
Après-ski is a French term meaning "after skiing." It refers to the social activities, entertainment, and relaxation that take place after a day on the slopes. This can include enjoying drinks at a ski lodge, live music, hot tubs, or casual gatherings with friends. It's a big part of ski culture, especially in resorts across Europe and North America.
The Smoked Old Fashioned is a modern take on the classic cocktail, adding a rich, smoky depth that enhances the whiskey’s warmth and complexity. Perfect for après-ski relaxation, its blend of bitters, orange peel, and aromatic smoke creates a cozy, indulgent experience reminiscent of sitting by a fire after a day on the slopes.
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
1 Sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup)
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
Cherry (optional, for garnish)
Wood chips (such as cherry or oak wood chips for smoking)
Glass smoke dome and smoking gun (for smoking effect)
Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass
Start by adding a single large ice cube to your glass. This chills the drink without watering it down too quickly.Pour in 2 oz of bourbon
Measure and pour 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon over the ice. A rich, smooth bourbon works best for a classic Old Fashioned.Prepare the wood chips
Place a small handful of wood chips—such as cherry, oak, or hickory—on a heat-resistant surface or inside a smoker cap designed for cocktails.Ignite and infuse with smoke
Use a torch to light the wood chips until they smolder and produce smoke. Immediately cover the glass with a cloche or the smoker cap to trap the smoke and infuse the bourbon for about 20–30 seconds.Garnish with an orange peel
Express the oils from a fresh orange peel by gently twisting it over the glass. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it in for a citrusy finish.
Heli-skiing
Guides review safety, avalanche gear, and the day's plan. You check your equipment.
Skis are loaded, and you board. The helicopter flies to a remote drop zone with stunning views.
You unload quickly, the heli departs, and the guide leads the first descent through fresh powder.
Between runs, the heli picks you up for more drops, maximizing untouched terrain.
After the final run, you fly back, return gear, and celebrate an epic day.
REMOTE
HIGH ALTITUDE
BACK COUNTRY
EXTREME
Mood board
High fidelity
The set was modeled in Fusion 360, using insights from the low-fidelity prototypes to refine the final design. Each piece was 3D printed in white PLA, giving the set a clean, minimal aesthetic that highlights form and function without distraction.
Low Fidelity
Quick white cardboard models make it easy to experiment with sizing for each component, while adding copper allows for exploring elegant curves and more dynamic design possibilities. Modeling multiple pairs and iterations of then jigger and rocks glass
