Every July 24, Utah celebrates its roots with parades, fireworks, and a day off work for many on what we call Pioneer Day (also known as Pie and Beer Day).
The last thing you may think to cheers with on this occasion is whiskey, but that’s exactly how I celebrated last Friday at the pre-grand opening celebration at the new High West Distillery located in Wanship, Utah.
The 30,000 square-foot distillery, which has four 1,500 gallon stills–more than 6 times the capacity of their single 250-gallon still at their original Park City location–will boast a restaurant that overlooks the mountains, guided tours, and whiskey sampling of High West’s many varietals.
At the preview party, guests toured the distillery and learned step-by-step how whiskey is made, sampling mash at the beginning, whiskey before it was aged, and finishing with High West’s signature whiskey lemonade cocktail and a taste of American Prairie bourbon.
This whiskey education was followed by a gourmet lunch catered by High West’s Executive Chef, James Dumas, and featured summery dishes like Jicama and Corn Salad, Trout Sandwiches, Sundried Tomato Pasta Salads, cheese platters, and more.
Dessert wowed too and included Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Budinos paired with High West’s unique Campfire whiskey. If the food at the new restaurant is anywhere near as good, I’ll be eating here all the time! Plus, the patio is the perfect spot for a cocktail on a summer evening.
Blue Sky Utah offers guided horseback rides, hikes, fly-fishing, and even trap shooting on the property, and they’re currently building a 60-room boutique-style hotel above the distillery that further enhances this growing ranch development.
The restaurant’s open design with large windows facing the mountains and a patio makes an ideal date location, but it’s also perfect for tourists visiting Park City or neighboring Blue Sky Utah for recreation opportunities, and the space can be rented out for corporate events, weddings, parties, and more.
Following lunch on the property, owner David Perkins, his wife, and other longtime supporters christened the building High West-style by tossing horseshoes at a bottle of whiskey until it broke open.
Though their public opening has been slightly delayed from it’s original date due to some problems with the distillery’s flooring, Perkins is confident they’ll be ready for their September grand opening.
The public is invited to visit following the Miner’s Day festivities on September 7 (Labor Day ) with the official grand opening and regular hours beginning on September 9, 2015.
