Utah High West – Utah – Small Batch Whiskey
A bold Utah whiskey honoring pioneer roots with local grains—discover its smooth secrets and perfect pairings ahead.
I’ve discovered High West’s Utah Small Batch Whiskey, Utah’s first legal distillery since 2004, founded by David Perkins to honor the American West’s pioneer roots. It uses local grains for high-altitude aging, creating a bold, smooth spirit that’s perfect for a simple drink. I rub a lime wedge on the glass rim and dip it in celery salt for that savory kick. Explore more on ingredients and tips just ahead.
History
High West Utah Whiskey traces its origins to 2004, when founder David Perkins established the first legal distillery in Utah since Prohibition, drawing on the state’s pioneer heritage and the cultural backdrop of the American West amid a historically alcohol-restricted region.
Regional variations, such as their rye expressions influenced by high-altitude aging and local grains, highlight Utah’s unique distilling landscape and signify a revival of craft whiskey traditions.
Traditionally, it’s served at social gatherings, whiskey tastings, or in cocktails, often evoking themes of Western exploration and celebration.
Ingredients
– High West Utah Whiskey: Ah, let’s kick things off with the star of the show here, that rich Utah whiskey itself—think of it as the bold, adventurous spirit born from high-altitude vibes, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into something special.
Have you ever paused to imagine how its smooth, grain-forward notes could elevate a classic cocktail on a quiet evening?
– Lime wedge: Now, don’t overlook this little guy, a fresh slice of lime to rub around the rim of your glass—it’s that zesty burst of citrus that adds a bright, tangy edge, making everything feel a tad more alive.
You know, like when you’re trying to jazz up a simple setup without overcomplicating things.
– Celery salt: Here’s where we get a bit playful, folks—celery salt for that rim dip, offering a savory, herby kick that whispers of gardens and gatherings.
It’s not just salt, it’s like giving your drink a secret handshake, though I suppose if you’re feeling extra, you might chuckle at how this humble seasoning turns ordinary into oh-so-fancy with minimal effort.
– Regular salt (as an alternative): Or, if you’re keeping it straightforward, plain old salt steps in as the easygoing understudy, ready to coat that rim with a simple, salty crunch.
Ever think about how something so basic can make a big difference, almost like borrowing a neighbor’s spice rack on a whim, without the fuss?
Preparation
Alright, folks, let’s jump into getting this High West Utah Whiskey drink all set up, starting with that fun rim prep—it’s like giving your glass a little outfit to wear for the party.
First off, grab a fresh lime wedge and rub it around the rim of your glass to moisten it; this helps the seasoning stick and adds a zesty hint right from the start.
Then, dip that rim into a plate of celery salt for that savory twist, or go simple with regular salt if you’re keeping things low-key—either way, it’s an optional step that makes your drink feel extra special, almost like you’re hosting a mini celebration in your kitchen.
Now, once your glass is dressed up and ready, pour in the High West Utah Whiskey—think of it as the main event, that bold spirit pouring in to fill about 2 ounces for a standard serving, giving you that smooth, adventurous flavor without overwhelming the setup.
Give it a gentle swirl in the glass to let those high-altitude notes shine through, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a fresh lime wedge on the side for squeezing in some extra tang.
It’s all about balancing that rich whiskey with a touch of brightness, turning a simple pour into something you’ll want to savor slowly on a cozy night.
And there you have it, a straightforward way to enjoy your drink without any fuss—sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that let the ingredients do the talking, right?
If you’re new to this, don’t worry about getting it perfect; even if your rim dips a bit uneven, it’ll still taste great, proving that not every home mixologist needs to be a pro from the get-go.
Tips and Variations
When it comes to tweaking your High West Utah Whiskey setup, start by playing around with that rim prep—maybe swap out the celery salt for a smoked sea salt to add a deeper, campfire vibe that complements the whiskey’s bold character, or keep it light with just a hint of plain salt if you’re in the mood for something straightforward and unfussy.
You could even experiment with a lemon wedge instead of lime for a brighter, less tangy edge, turning your simple pour into a personalized adventure that surprises your taste buds; after all, why stick to one way when a little twist can make it feel like you’ve invented your own secret recipe?
And if things don’t turn out picture-perfect on the first try, well, that’s just an excuse to sip and refine, because even a slightly uneven rim can still deliver that smooth, high-altitude warmth with a playful punch.
Hi There! I'm Stephanie Miller: Elementary teacher from Columbus, OH sharing grandma's treasured American recipes! 50 years young, yoga enthusiast & kitchen storyteller. Welcome to my food family! 🍰❤️
