High West Bourbon comes from the High West Distillery, located in the picturesque town of Park City, Utah. This distillery holds the distinction of being the first legally licensed distillery in Utah since the end of the American Prohibition. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the origins and production process of High West Bourbon firsthand.
Park City, Utah may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of bourbon production, as it is not traditionally known as a bourbon-producing region. However, High West Distillery has defied expectations and carved out a niche for itself in the world of American whiskey. The distillery's unique location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains provides a stunning backdrop for the production of their exceptional spirits.
The journey of High West Bourbon begins with the careful selection of grains. The distillery sources their corn, rye, and barley from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality ingredients for their bourbon. This commitment to using locally sourced grains not only supports the local agricultural community but also adds a distinct regional character to their spirits.
Once the grains are harvested, they are milled and mixed with water to create a mash. High West Distillery employs traditional bourbon-making techniques, including the use of open-top fermentation tanks. These tanks allow for the natural yeast in the air to interact with the mash, imparting unique flavors and aromas to the final product.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills. Copper is known for its ability to remove impurities and create a smoother spirit. The distillers at High West carefully monitor the distillation process to ensure that only the finest spirit is collected.
Once the bourbon has been distilled, it is aged in charred oak barrels. High West sources their barrels from a variety of reputable cooperages, each with its own unique characteristics. The distillery takes advantage of the mountain climate in Park City, where the temperature fluctuations between day and night create an ideal environment for aging bourbon. This climate accelerates the maturation process, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
High West Bourbon is a blend of bourbons, which adds another layer of complexity to the final product. The distillery carefully selects and blends bourbons of different ages and mash bills to create a well-rounded and balanced whiskey. This blending process allows for the harmonization of flavors and ensures a consistent product with each batch.
The finished bourbon is then bottled and labeled by hand, reflecting the craft and attention to detail that goes into each bottle. High West takes pride in their small-batch production methods, allowing them to maintain a high level of quality and control over their spirits.
High West Bourbon is produced at the High West Distillery in Park City, Utah. This distillery, with its unique location and commitment to using locally sourced grains, has created a reputation for producing exceptional bourbon. From the careful selection of grains to the aging process in charred oak barrels, every step of the production process is carried out with precision and expertise. The result is a bourbon that embodies the spirit of the American West and delights whiskey enthusiasts around the world.