Skeeter's Nootkatone Whiskey: A Buzz-Worthy Cocktail Companion

In an innovative twist on summer cocktails, Tamworth Distilling from New Hampshire has launched Skeeter’s Nootkatone Flavored Whiskey, a unique spray designed to keep mosquitoes at bay while enhancing your drinks. This atomizer promises to add a zesty flavor to cocktails and repel the pesky insects that often accompany outdoor gatherings.

The concept is backed by science, with a 2024 study in Current Biology indicating that nootkatone, a natural substance derived from cedar and grapefruit peels, serves as an effective mosquito repellent. The study revealed that at a concentration of five percent, nootkatone performs comparably to the widely used insect repellent DEET. Researchers noted several advantages of nootkatone: it is a natural compound, non-greasy, safe for consumption, and does not damage plastics.

Recently, I had the chance to test Skeeter’s spray during a camping trip in New Mexico, where mosquito activity lingers even after summer's end. Mixing classic Old Fashioned cocktails, I added the Nootkatone whiskey atomizer to see if it lived up to its claims. The refreshing citrus notes elevated our drinks, making them feel sophisticated despite our rustic setting. While I didn't encounter any mosquitoes, the effectiveness of the spray remains uncertain, as I had also applied DEET before heading out.

Source: www.outsideonline.com