New ‘cowboy’ distillery ranch opens in Utah

High West Distillery – the first legal distillery to be built in the US state of Utah since 1870 – has celebrated the opening of its new site.

High West Distillery has moved its production to a new “distillery ranch” in Utah

Also said to be the world’s only whiskey distillery and luxury guest ranch, the site is the result of a collaboration between High West and Blue Sky Ranch, the working cattle ranch where the distillery is now based.

The new 20,000 square foot vicinity will allow the company to increase capacity in terms of distillation and ageing.

“Blue Sky Ranch was the perfect partner and home for expanding our production,” said High West proprietor David Perkins, who founded the company in 2007.

“We couldn’t think of a more natural fit with the High West brand than an authentic cattle ranch. We both wanted to create a unique destination that celebrates three enduring symbols of the American West that we are passionate about: its natural beauty, cowboys, and whiskey.”

The distillery will open to visitors next summer, featuring a visitors’ centre and restaurant, and offering educational tours along with food and whiskey pairing experiences.

Meanwhile, the Blue Sky guest ranch will open in the spring of 2016, featuring a 30-room lodge, eight mountain villas, a wellness centre and several dining centres.

Blue Sky also offers a selection of “western adventures”, including horseback riding, trap shooting, fly fishing, cross country skiing and a “Cowboy for a Day” experience.

Blue West Distillery also recently featured in The Spirits Business’ list of the top 10 distillery bars.