Salt Lake City: Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour

Salt Lake City: Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour

If you’re curious about how craft spirits are made or looking to add a flavorful twist to your Salt Lake City visit, the Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour offers a fascinating peek behind the scenes. This small-group experience blends education, craftsmanship, and tastings into a compelling hour that leaves you with more than just a buzz — you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for artisanal distilling.

What really makes this tour shine are three key aspects: the knowledgeable guides who share insights with genuine enthusiasm, the hands-on look at the distillation process, and the award-winning spirits you get to sample at the end. The only potential downside? With just an hour, it’s a quick taste of the craft, so if you’re after a more extensive experience, you might want to explore other options or extend your visit.

Perfect for spirits lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of local craftsmanship, this tour offers value and authentic insight in a cozy setting. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate small groups, expert guides, and quality tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Intimate Experience: Small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention and engaging conversations.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share the secrets of distillation.
• Quality Tastings: Sample award-winning gin, whiskey, and coffee liqueur, including Gold Medal winners.
• Educational Focus: Learn about distillation techniques, scientific instruments, and ingredient selection.
• Authentic Craftsmanship: See copper stills, oak barrels, and explore the artistry behind each spirit.
• Great Value: At $20 per person for a full hour, it’s an affordable way to understand and taste high-quality spirits.

The Experience: What to Expect During the Tour

Starting at the Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Gift Shop, you’ll check in for your private, guided tour. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill tasting — expect a detailed look at how locally sourced ingredients are transformed into spirits through traditional and innovative techniques. The tour lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, making it a perfect quick stop that fits well into a busy itinerary.

Walking Through the Distillery

Once inside, your guide—likely someone with a clear passion for their craft—will lead you through the distillery’s hidden corners. You’ll see the gleaming copper stills, which are the heart of the process, and perhaps even peek into the oak barrels where spirits age to perfection. Expect to hear stories about the distillery’s journey, their commitment to quality, and the specific ingredients that give their spirits a unique character.

Learning the Art of Distillation

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on technical details. Guides explain the science behind the process—using tools like refractometers and hydrometers—and how these instruments help ensure consistency and quality. Reviewers mention the guide’s ability to make complex ideas accessible, and one enthusiast even highlighted that they received practical insights into production and testing procedures. This educational element amplifies the appreciation for each sip you’ll take later.

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Sensory Exploration

Part of the charm is engaging your senses to understand how flavors develop during distillation. You’ll learn to distinguish the aromas that emerge at different stages, and the guide might encourage you to compare the scent of raw ingredients versus the final product. This sensory aspect deepens your understanding that good spirits are as much about subtle nuances as they are about strength.

Tasting the Award-Winners

The climax is the guided tasting of the distillery’s entire product line. With 7 gold medals and 3 double gold medals earned at competitions in 2024, these spirits are clearly well-regarded. Expect to sample the Gold Medal-winning gin, whiskey, and coffee liqueur, each showcasing the distillery’s mastery. Reviewers praise the spectacular spirits and note that the passionate team clearly cares about quality. Many mention that the products are absolutely delicious, and the tasting is framed as an opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and aromatics.

Additional Insights

The tour also provides a behind-the-scenes look at scientific instruments used in production, which appeals to those curious about the technical side of distilling. This detailed approach suggests that whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique local experience, you’ll leave with both knowledge and a sense of connection to the craft.

Practical Details and Value

At $20 per person, this experience is a remarkably good value. For that price, you get a comprehensive, guided tour, a detailed tasting of premium spirits, and an insider look into the craft — all within just an hour. The small group size (max 10 guests) means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with the guide, making the visit more engaging than large, impersonal tours.

Transportation to the distillery isn’t included, so plan accordingly. The meeting point is in the Gift Shop at Building 5 of Broadbent Business Park, a central location in Salt Lake City. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and stools are available if you need to sit down during the walk and tasting.

What Reviewers Say

One traveler from Poland praised the “passion and knowledge” of the team, adding that they hope the distillery will soon become a full-fledged micro-distillery. Another visitor from Italy described it as “a small local distillery with knowledgeable and friendly staff” and called the spirits “spectacular.” These reviews highlight the personalized experience and the quality of the products.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for spirits lovers eager to learn about craft distilling. It’s also suitable for those interested in local craftsmanship or seeking a unique, authentic activity in Salt Lake City. Because of the small group format and personal guidance, it’s especially appealing to travelers who enjoy more intimate, educational encounters.

It’s less suited for minors (under 21), unless accompanied by a guardian, and those seeking a longer or more immersive experience may want to look for additional tastings or distillery visits elsewhere.

The Sum Up

The Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour offers an engaging, authentic look into the art of craft spirits. With its expert guides, focus on scientific and artistic detail, and excellent quality tastings, it’s an experience that truly brings the spirit-making process to life. The affordability and small-group setting make it a smart choice for anyone wanting a memorable, educational snapshot of Salt Lake City’s local distilling scene.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just curious about how good spirits are made, this tour provides genuine value wrapped in a friendly, approachable package. It’s perfect for those seeking a brief but memorable taste of Utah’s craft spirit culture.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
No, persons under 21 are allowed only with a guardian and may not participate in tastings.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.

What is included in the price?
You get an exclusive, private tour, guided tastings of the entire product line, and insights into production and testing procedures.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation to the distillery is not included, so plan to drive or arrange your own transport.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Are stools available during the tour?
Yes, stools can be provided on request for those who prefer to sit.

What spirits will I taste?
You will sample the distillery’s award-winning gin, whiskey, and coffee liqueur.

Is the tour suitable for someone new to spirits?
Absolutely. The guide explains the process clearly and makes it accessible for all levels of knowledge.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

In summary, the Salt Lake City: Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour is a fantastic way to explore local craftsmanship, learn about distillation, and enjoy quality spirits in a friendly setting. It’s a straightforward, affordable experience that offers meaningful insights and memorable tastings — perfect for a quick, enriching addition to your Utah itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby