HIGH WEST DISTILLERY EARNS ‘PIONEER OF THE YEAR’: TOP HONORS GIVEN BY MALT ADVOCATE, SALT LAKE MAGAZINE AND ARTS-KIDS

PARK CITY, Utah (March 5, 2011) – Recognized for its flavorful approach to victuals, spirits and comfortable atmosphere, High West Distillery and Saloon recently received distinguished awards from Malt Advocate, Salt Lake Magazine and Arts-Kids, a local youth development non-profit organization. These notable awards are among the handful of honors that High West has received since distributing its spirits to the public in 2008.

Malt Advocate awarded High West’s proprietor David Perkins with “Pioneer of the Year,” attributed to Perkins’ bold, entrepreneurial spirit and developing unique, flavorful blends of whiskies. Salt Lake Magazine also awarded High West with “Best Design,” recognizing the distillery’s exceptional design and architecture within the state. Arts-Kids’ selected Chef James Dumas as the “Judge’s Choice” winner during their 7^th annual fundraiser, Step Up to the Plate, for his Pulled Pork Parmesan Biscuit appetizer. The “Judge’s Choice” is the non-profit’s highest honor during their culinary fundraising campaign.

These three awards pay honor to High West’s independent and creative concepts upon which the distillery was founded. Reclaiming 80% of the original materials, High West brought vibrant life to an abandoned, weathered building, which has quickly become a central watering hole in Park City. Perkins’ unmistakable talent and passion for distilling has been instrumental in crafting small-batch spirits that appeal to the most inquisitive whiskey enthusiast. Combined with Chef Dumas’ contemporary approach to Western soul food, the High West experience is an award-winning trifecta of edibles, libations and ambiance.

“High West has earned recognition for its spirits, but we like to celebrate the entire experience of dining and imbibing,” said Perkins. “It’s wonderful to be applauded not only for our craft, but for the whiskey culture we cherish. These awards affirm that people enjoy what we do, and that couldn’t be more rewarding.”

In addition to the awards, one of High West’s most recent concoctions, the Double Rye!, received a 9.1 (Superb/Outstanding) rating from Malt Advocate’s editor and publisher, John Hansell. The Double Rye!, which released in January 2011, is a blend of a 16-year-old 53% Rye Whiskey and a 2-year-old 95% Rye Whiskey. The softer subtleties found in the aged whiskey relax the spicier notes found in the 2-year-old spirit. The result, as noted by Hansell, is “one of THE most unique whiskeys I’ve ever tried.” High West products, including the Double Rye!, are currently available in 18 states across the U.S.

Along with an expanding selection of crafted spirits, the High West menu will soon debut at another establishment. The Salt Lake City International Airport granted High West its bid to open a distillery and saloon in the airport. The saloon is slated to open in early 2012 and will feature a culinary experience aligned with High West’s flavor in Park City. Chef Dumas will bring his signature style to the Salt Lake Airport saloon, and a full bar, featuring High West spirits, will be offered for thirsty travelers.

For more information on High West, please visit www.highwest.com or contact Christa Graff at christa@graffpr.com or 435.640.7921.

About High West Distillery & Saloon

High West Distillery & Saloon is Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and the World’s only Ski-in Gastro-distillery. Located at exactly 7000′ in the heart of Old Town Park City, High West’s home is a renovated 100-year-old livery stable and Victorian mining-era home. The renovation earned the 2010 Utah Heritage Foundation Award for Adaptive Use and both buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  High West’s passion is crafting unique and exceptional whiskies.   At the American Distilling Institute’s 2010 Craft American Whiskey Competition, High West’s Bourye won the top accolade “Best Craft American Whiskey”.  In addition, High West also won Best Rye Whiskey, Best Blended Whiskey, and tied for Best Un-aged Whiskey. High West’s Saloon is a Zagat rated, quaint, family friendly, full-service restaurant and bar where visitors can refuel on contemporary western comfort food next to High West’s hand hammered 250-gallon copper pot still. High West products are available in 18 states throughout the U.S. For more information and to find where to buy High West products near you, please visit highwest.com.