High West Distillery was the first distillery in Utah since Prohibition. Originally housed in a horse stable turned auto shop in Park City, the craft distillery became so popular production moved to a larger facility in 2015. Now that humble building is a restaurant and bar, known as the High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City. And it’s worth stopping in for both the whiskey, the cocktails, and the food.
High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City, Utah
History & High West
In 2007 High West Distillery opened off of Main Street in Park City, Utah. They started with just one 250-gallon still plugging away making whiskey. While it aged, they sourced whiskey from MGP Distillery in Indiana and made a name for themselves by expertly blending it in unique ways.
After Constellation Brands bought High West, production moved to a larger facility in 2015 to keep up with their growing demands. Tucked into the mountains in Wanship, Utah, the beautiful distillery now has a 1600 gallon copper pot still. Here’s an in-depth look at the distillery, its restaurant, and more background on High West whiskey.
So instead of shutting down the original distillery, they refocused on the restaurant and saloon aspect. It’s still a working distillery, making it the world’s only ski-in, ski-out distillery. (Tours are available, but true whiskey aficionados should visit the Wanship location to learn about the spirits.)
Go for the Whiskey, Stay for the Food
On a recent trip to Salt Lake City (where I’m from), I ventured up to Park City for brunch at High West Distillery & Saloon. They don’t take reservations, so snagging a table can be tough during ski season. But we arrived right when they open (11 am) and walked right in. Soon skiers were coming right off the mountain and into the restaurant! Within minutes the whole place was packed — and soon we learned why.
The food at High West is fantastic. This is nothing new, of course. James Beard recognized the restaurant as a semifinalist a few years ago and they’re mentioned in dozens of ski magazines, travel articles, and whiskey websites. But I particularly liked that many dishes had a Utah pull to them, featuring trout, elk, or other local favorites.
The menu is classic but upscale American, with a rustic, mountain touch to the dishes. While a few German-inspired dishes like schnitzel and sausage sound odd at first, they compliment the cold weather well (and are excellent to boot). If all else fails, you can never go wrong with their burger — topped with American Prairie bourbon onion jam and paired with rosemary fries.
And of course many dishes also incorporate whiskey, like bourbon chicken wings and Rendezvous Rye beer cheese pretzel. The lamb t-bones are topped with Double Rye maple tomatoes and the pork chop is topped with American Prairie Bourbon applesauce. Even though we originally went for the whiskey, the food was more than worth staying for.
Have a Cocktail (or Two)
The cocktails are just as well-thought out as the food. Many featured whiskey, of course, and even those won over my not-quite-into-whiskey parents. That really spoke to their creativity and excellent execution.
Since it was snowing, we went for warm cocktails. The Pagoda, with American Prairie Bourbon, jasmin, pineapple, ginger, umeshu and yuzu, was a favorite. The Educated Thirst channelled a Hot Toddy, with Double Rye, Amaro Ciociaro, cinnamon, and lemon.
After brunch we moved over to the Saloon, a separate part of the restaurant. Food can be ordered here, too, but it has a more casual vibe (with couches) more suitable for drinks. I tried the new High West Country Single Malt, served in branded glasses with a country vibe — of course available in the gift shop.
A Must Visit in Park City
So if you’re in Park City, I recommend stopping for a bite and a drink at High West Distillery & Saloon. Even non-whiskey fans will find something they’ll like. True whiskey fans should obviously pop in for a visit but don’t miss the real distillery in Wanship. Both places tell the full story of High West, and both are worth appreciating.
High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City is 21+ only and reservations are not accepted. (Both reservations and kids are welcome at the Wanship location.) The gift shop in both locations sells High West bottles and gifts (even on Sundays!).
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Related :: Touring High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah, and Where to Eat in Salt Lake City
