For guys who know their way around a good pour, there's some solid news coming out of Utah. High West Distillery, that rugged outfit rooted in the American West, just cranked up its game by opening up online shipping to 35 states. This hits right as the holidays roll in, making it easier than ever to snag a bottle of their top-shelf stuff without leaving the couch. Whether you're stocking up for a quiet night by the fire or grabbing something special for the family gathering, this expansion feels like a win for whiskey fans everywhere.
The folks at High West have built a reputation on blending tradition with a bit of bold innovation, and this latest step shows they're serious about getting their spirits into more hands. From their core lineup to those ready-to-sip cocktails, everything's now just a click away on their website. Picture this: you're planning the Thanksgiving spread, and you want something that elevates the meal without the hassle. Or maybe you're eyeing a gift for a buddy who's hosted you one too many times—High West's got options that fit the bill. And with New Year's toasts on the horizon, having access to their lineup means you're set for whatever the season throws your way.
Leading the charge on this is Elisabeth Flaherty, the General Manager for High West and Spirits Hospitality. She put it plain and simple: “We are so fortunate to have such a broad base of whiskey enthusiasts throughout the country, and expanding High West’s e-commerce footprint allows us to provide increased access to our beloved spirits. Whether customers are shopping for the perfect accent for their Thanksgiving table, a thoughtful gift for the holiday host, or the ideal bottle to toast the New Year, our seamless online shopping experience is reason enough to celebrate.” Her words nail it—it's all about making things straightforward for folks who appreciate a quality dram.
Diving into what you can actually get your hands on, High West's core whiskeys are the stars here. There's the Rendezvous Rye, a blend that's got that spicy kick perfect for mixing or sipping straight. Then you've got the Double Rye, which doubles down on the rye for an extra bold flavor profile that holds up in any cocktail. Their Bourbon brings that smooth, classic warmth you'd expect, with notes that linger just right. And don't sleep on the Campfire—it's got this smoky twist that evokes sitting around a fire pit after a long day outdoors, blending scotch, bourbon, and rye in a way that's uniquely theirs.
Beyond the straight whiskeys, they've got those barrel-finished cocktails that take the guesswork out of mixing. The Manhattan and Old Fashioned versions come ready to pour, aged in barrels for that extra depth. These are great for guys who want the taste of a craft drink without pulling out the bar tools every time. Plus, they're rolling out exclusive limited releases through the site too—stuff that's hard to find elsewhere, which adds that thrill of grabbing something rare.
Now, if you're in one of those 35 states, you're in luck. That list covers a huge chunk of the country: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. From the East Coast to the West, and plenty in between, this means no more hunting down specialty shops if you're not local. Of course, if you are in Utah, you can still hit up their spots in person—the High West General Store in Old Town Park City, the Distillery in Wanship, or even the state liquor stores for that hands-on experience.
Speaking of their roots, High West isn't just another distillery; they've got history baked in. They're Utah's first legal operation since way back in 1870, which gives them this authentic edge. Their whole deal is about crafting whiskeys that stand out—delicious, distinctive, and tied to the spirit of the American West. It's not just about the drink; it's about appreciating where it comes from, that wide-open landscape and pioneer vibe. And they're not limited to online or Utah—you can find their bottles in finer liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across all 50 states, even internationally. That kind of reach speaks to how they've earned their stripes.
Back in 2016, Whisky Advocate, the big name in the whiskey world, named them Distiller of the Year. That's no small feat. As they said, “High West delivers innovative and delicious whiskeys, expands the definition of what it is to be a distiller, and pioneered a successful new paradigm for craft distilling.” It's high praise that underscores how they've shaken things up, blending old-school methods with fresh ideas to create something that's both approachable and top-tier.
If you're the type who likes to dig deeper into what you're drinking, High West's locations are worth a road trip. Take the distillery in Wanship—it's a massive 30,000-square-foot setup that's world-class. They offer educational tours where you can see the process up close, from grain to glass, and then kick back with some of their country-western cuisine. It's the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon learning the ropes and walking away with a new appreciation for the craft.
Then there's the High West Distillery & Saloon in historic Old Town Park City. This spot's got a unique claim to fame—it's the world's only ski-in gastro distillery. Imagine hitting the slopes and skiing right up to the door for a bite and a drink. Locals love it; readers of City Weekly voted it the Best Park City Restaurant. It's racked up other nods too, like being named the Best Après Ski Bar in Utah by USA TODAY's 10Best, making the finals in the 2020 Park City's Best Awards for Best Après Ski, getting a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Bar, and landing in the top 10 on The Daily Meal's list of 150 Best Bars in America. If you're into that mix of adventure and relaxation, this place checks all the boxes.
All in all, this expansion isn't just about selling more bottles—it's about connecting with guys who get what makes a good whiskey tick. In a world where convenience matters, being able to order from home and have it shipped straight to your door changes the game. Whether you're a longtime fan or just dipping your toe into the rye and bourbon scene, High West's move opens up possibilities for discovering new favorites. As the holidays approach, it's a reminder that sometimes the best gifts—or treats for yourself—are the ones that come with a story, a heritage, and that perfect burn going down. If you're in one of those states, head over to highwest.com and see what catches your eye. Who knows? It might just become your new go-to.
