High West to Host Cocktail Competition During Sundance

PARK CITY, Utah (January 20, 2011) – On January 26^th, four mixologists from across the country will compete in the first-ever Sundance Showdown at High West. The contest will take place during the Sundance Film Festival.

High West has significant accolades since the distillery and saloon opened in November 2009, from its award winning craft whiskeys to its Zagat rated restaurant.  High West spirits will be the featured spirits in the cocktail contest, including the distillery’s newest product, the DOUBLE RYE!, which debuts this month. DOUBLE RYE! is a blend of a two straight rye whiskeys, a spirited 2-year-old and a saddle smooth 16-year-old. The result is a well-balanced, full-bodied whiskey ideal for mixing in cocktails.

The participating bartenders will create cocktails based on a variety of spirits, mixers and two “secret ingredients”; testing their expertise. Participating bartenders include Christian Schnurr (High West; Park City, UT), Dustin M.C. Smith (Red Door; Salt Lake City, UT), Ryan McGrale (Flatiron Lounge;New York, NY), Bill Codman (Woodward Tavern; Boston, MA).

Judges will include David Perkins, proprietor of High West Distillery.  Winning cocktails will be based on presentation, taste, creativity, flare and innovative use of the secret ingredient. Bartenders will compete in three rounds, the last of which will be chosen based on the crowd’s favorite. A live band will also be performing throughout the evening.

The High West Cocktail Contest will be held on Wednesday, January 26 at 10:30 p.m. and is free to the public. The winning libations will be available for purchase for adults over 21.

For more information on the High West Cocktail Contest, please contact Christa Graff at 435.640.7921 or christa@graffpr.com.

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. For more information and to find where to buy High West products near you, please visit highwest.com.

Christa Graff
Graff Public Relations, LLC
435.640.7921 christa@graffpr.com