High West Distillery

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.

Getting There

Here are driving directions from Park City to High West Distillery:

• Head northwest on Main St toward Heber Ave.
• Turn right onto Heber Ave and continue for about 0.5 miles.
• Merge onto UT-248 E/Kearns Blvd via the ramp to US-40.
• Continue for 2.5 miles.
• Take the ramp onto US-40 E/US-189 N toward Heber.
• Continue for 12 miles.
• Take exit 4 for Silver Summit Parkway and turn right.
• Merge onto I-80 E toward Wanship.
• Continue for 2 miles.
• Take exit 155 for UT-32 toward Wanship/Coalville.
• Turn right onto UT-32 S.
• Address: 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, UT 84017

Cost

Below are the tour costs at High West Distillery:

• Tour (12+): $10 per person
• Tastings: charged by consumption

Prices are subject to change; check their website for up-to-date information.