About
High West Distillery is an iconic and internationally known whiskey brand crafted in Wanship, Utah.
Their story begins in 2001 when husband and wife, David and Jane Perkins, had an eye-opening experience at a bourbon maker in Kentucky. They moved to Park City in 2004 and David applied his biochemist background with their "Eureka!" moment in the Bluegrass State. The result: High West Distillery in 2006.
The company had humble beginnings, starting as a small, 250-gallon still and saloon in a livery stable with a garage. Today, they are recognized worldwide for their top-shelf whiskey brands. The facility is northeast of Park City but in proximity to key landmarks like the Utah Olympic Park and eateries like the Japanese-inspired steakhouse, KITA.
The Wanship location is home to the state-of-the-art distillery where visitors can take a 45-minute tour that culminates in the tasting room. The Refectory restaurant is on-site and serves lunch and Sunday brunch and a pre-fixed, family-style supper club in the summer. Additionally, the general store is your go-to for souvenirs and gifts.
As High West grew, it expanded. In 2009, High West Saloon opened near Park City Main Street Historic District featuring a restaurant, general store, and bar. While you'll find online comments like "it's the only ski-in distillery in Utah!", only part of that is correct. Yes, you may ski to the saloon, but the distillery is 25 minutes north in Wanship and isn't known as being a ski-in facility.
Next door to the High West Saloon is the Nelson Cottage offering an upscale Prix Fix menu. The setting is in a restored Victorian-era home, making for a superb location for romantic dinners and special occasions.
High West Distillery: Fun Facts & Cool Features
What makes visiting High West Distillery a must-do are the tours! Led by Whiskey Ambassadors, they operate Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 AM-3 PM. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
The tours offer behind-the-scenes exploration of the distillery where you learn the start-to-finish processes of making whiskey. History buffs will appreciate the knowledge gained about whiskey in Utah. At the end of the tour, you visit the tasting room to sample their products.
Onsite is The Renovation restaurant serving upscale, ala carte fare, cocktails, and beer. The summer Sunday brunch is $55 per person and includes a hot and cold buffet. The list of items is impressive, ranging from charcuterie board and granola station to waffles, roasted salmon, and a carving station with roasted meat. Reservations are required for lunch and brunch.
High West Saloon (Park City)
This location is where High West got started! While they no longer distill here, The Saloon offers first-come, first-served dining. The seasonal menu showcases craft food and the bar carries various beer, wine, and liquor. Naturally, you'll be able to order High West whiskey and they offer memorable mixed drinks. This is a 21-and-over eatery and bar.
The Nelson Cottage (Park City)
If you're looking for an upscale and unique dining experience, make a reservation at this Park City home. The special, one-week-only menu is curated by their chef, who creates a tailor-made meal featuring fresh ingredients. The cost is $95/person with an additional charge for whiskey pairings (starting at $50).
Touring the High West Saloon is a must-do for whiskey aficionados and those curious about the distillery process.
Local Tips
- The distillery tour fee doesn't cover the tasting room.
- You'll park in the lower area and take the shuttle to the distillery, restaurant and store.
- The tours are open to all ages; the tasting room is a 21-only room.
- Arrive early for your tour; factor in 15 minutes in getting shuttled to the distillery.
- When High West opened, it became the first legal distillery in Utah since 1870.
