Like many craft distillers, Julia and Alan Scott’s path to creating Waterpocket Distillery has been long and winding. Yet, like the landscapes in Capitol Reef National Park that the distillery is named for, the Scott's have trail-blazed into the often unknown nature of distilling in Utah, using long-forgotten recipes and spirits as a guide. “Our goal is to make spirits as wil … [Read more...]
New World Distillery Brings Crystalline Gin to Ogden Valley
Ashley and Chris Cross have entered a world of botanicals, brews, spirits and a cozy store up in the Wasatch Back near Pine View Reservoir in Eden, Utah. Aptly, they have named their new business New World Distillery. Ashley is a former school teacher and Chris is a former Navy Pilot and trainer. Together, they decided to open a distillery four years ago. It’s been a r … [Read more...]
Dented Brick Distillery – A Well, A Will and Sweet Serendipity
What would possess someone to open a distillery in liquor-challenged Utah, where a “sin tax” gobbles profit margins? Marc Christensen, a man possessed, is hard at it within a stone’s throw of Temple Square in the capital of the tee-totaling Mormon culture. “When you think about it, where better to distill great spirits than in a deeply spiritual community?” Christensen deadpa … [Read more...]
New Liquor Bill is a Bittersweet Compromise for Local Makers
HB 228 was recently passed by the Utah Legislature and takes effect in July. The bill allows for tastings of beer, wine, and distilled alcohols with the added caveat of the inclusion of a “substantial” amount of food to be served with the up to 16-ounce taste, a definition that will be determined by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC). This change raises … [Read more...]