High West landed what most might call a verrrry special piece of property when they locked in on Blue Skye. It is, by all definitions, breathtakingly beautiful. But for a distillery the caliber of High West, there was something else that carried just as much weight: Blue Skye is right atop an aquifer. Translation? Access to some of the most pristine and tasty water one is likely to find. As it turns out, good whiskey is all about the water, and for an optimal tasting experience, you'd do well to enjoy your whiskey with the SAME water from which is was made.
High west is one of the largest whiskey producers in the West, and no signs of slowing down.
Once inside the impressive gates at High West, a winding road guides you slowly past horses, deer, and anything else roaming the stunning, 3,500 acre property. The beautiful structure "acts as a space for educational whiskey tasting, pairings and tours, and houses a 1,600-gallon copper pot still," imported from Scotland. A visit to the plant includes a tour that translates to a complete education on the process of turning water into whiskey.
it's good whiskey with views to match...
All told, High West bottles over 5,000 units of their fine tipple for distribution. Every last bottle is capped, labeled, and packaged entirely by hand.
The pioneers used to make their own whiskey called “Valley Tan,” and as an homage to our state's first whiskey makers, High West now makes their own version of the amber beverage.
For a whiskey aficionado, this place is a clear rival to Disneyland’s claim to Happiest Place on Earth.
After watching the pros and touring the facilities, we're taken to the the tasting room (another well-designed piece of the impeccable property) to put our own tastebuds to the test. We're greeted by a line-up of glasses--Campfire, A Midwinter Night's Dram, Yippee Ki-Yay, and the like--in hues ranging from silver, to gold, to rich dark amber. It’s a full sensory experience, and after a few rounds of sniffs and sips, respective favorites emerged and an "urgent" visit to the liquor store ensues on the way home.
WE HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GET A TASTE OF THIS PLACE.
Adjacent to the tasting room is the restaurant, which is available for gatherings, and for those in search of something spectacular for a wedding, or similarly-fabulous bash, it's a hard spot to beat. For anyone else, this is your spot for charcuterie, cocktails, and stellar views from the outdoor deck.
HIGH WEST DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM | 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy., Wanship | 435.649.8300
