Get in the Spirits of Park City

While the Greatest Snow on Earth may be Utah’s most famous product, distilled spirits are catching up in gaining notoriety. That’s right…a state that has commonly been viewed as restrictive when it comes to alcoholic beverages is producing some mighty fine beer and spirits. The most internationally recognized brand, of course, is Park City’s own High West Distillery, which now has its operations on the outskirts of town in Wanship at Blue Sky Ranch. While High West put Utah on the map for craft spirits, the much longer running local institution – Wasatch Brewery – has been brewing tasty craft beer since 1986. The success of both businesses has inspired others to follow suit. Whether you are a connoisseur, looking to become more knowledgeable, or simply wish to taste some of the impressive local products, here is a bit about what you can discover in these hills.

High west distillery

Chances are if you’ve been to any bars on the East Coast, West Coast, and even overseas in the past several years, you’ve spotted the iconic High West Distillery brand gracing shelves around the world. In 2006, High West Distillery opened a restored historic property at the base of Park City Mountain’s Town Lift rendering it the world’s first ski in, ski out distillery and Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870. While the ever-popular saloon remains intact, the real operation in Wanship is open for distillery tours and tastings. Check out the beautiful distillery on Thursday evenings for dinner, live music, and dancing or a delectable Sunday brunch with beautiful, natural surroundings. If you can’t make it out to Wanship, the Saloon on Park Avenue offers a lively atmosphere and some of the town’s best mixologists who concoct amazing craft cocktails. High West offers coveted, limited edition products in addition to the brand’s staples like Rendezvous Rye, Double Rye, Campfire, American Prairie Bourbon, and the High West 7,000’ vodka. Whisky Advocate named High West Distiller of the Year in 2016.

Park City Brewery

Started by a group of guys who worked in the outdoor industry, Park City Brewery’s beers are packaged in aluminum cans and inspired by the great outdoors and passion for recreating in the Wasatch Mountains. Stop by the Tap Room at 2720 Rasmussen Road near Jeremy Ranch. Here you can enjoy their variety of brews on draft. Favorites include the India Pale Ale and Imperial Pilsner. Their Session Series beers are canned locally and intended to complement any outdoor pursuit with their lower 4.0% alcohol by volume – Breaking Trail Pale Ale, Hooker Blonde Ale, Last Pitch IPA, and Boogie Water Brown Ale.

Alpine Distilling

With distilling roots in Kentucky, Alpine Distilling is the new kid on Park City’s spirits’ block, having launched in 2016 at its Silver Creek location. Like Park City Brewery, Alpine draws its inspiration from Park City’s magnificent, natural environment and array of outdoor recreation. Having already collected an impressive number of national awards, Alpine Distilling’s flavorful products include Preserve Liqueur, Lafayette Spiced Bourbon, Persistent Vodka, Traveler’s Rest Whiskey, and Summit Gin. In an effort to gain greater visibility and capitalize on foot traffic, Alpine recently partnered with 350 Main Brasserie, a longtime dining establishment on Main Street. 350 Main underwent a renovation to accommodate the partnership. New menu items are paired with various Alpine spirits, and there is a tasting room downstairs. Not only can guests enjoy some spirits education, but they can actually make their own gin to bottle and take home. Head next door to The Spur Bar & Grill to try the Spur Whiskey.

Wasatch Brewery

When Greg Schirf moved to Utah from Milwaukee in the 1980s, he was disappointed by the lack of breweries, so he set out to change that. In 1986, he started Wasatch Brewery and successfully petitioned the Utah State Legislature in 1988 to legalize brewpubs. Consequently, Schirf’s claim to fame is having opened both the first brewery and brewpub in Utah. Wasatch Brewery’s rebellious tradition continues today with a variety of innovative labels and tastes, some of which make light of the Utah culture like Polygamy Porter and Evolution Amber Ale. With fall upon us, check out the Nitro Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal delight. Visit Wasatch Brew Pub, a staple for casual fare and tasty brews at the top of Main Street.

Elsewhere in Utah

Each month, it seems another distillery or brewery is popping up across the state. Other notable mentions for craft spirits are: Beehive Distilling, Waterpocket Distillery, New World Distillery, Dented Brick Distillery, and Sugar House Distillery.

And check out these craft breweries: Shades of Pale, Epic Brewing Company, Moab Brewery, and Red Rock Brewing Company, Proper Brewing, and Mountain West Hard Cider