Salt Lake City: Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Salt Lake City beyond its mountains and temples, a distillery tour at Spirits of the Wasatch offers a fascinating glimpse into the art of craft spirits. This small, expert-led experience combines education, sensory delights, and a chance to sample some seriously award-winning products—all for just $20 per person.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized, behind-the-scenes access to a functioning distillery means you’ll see the gleaming copper stills and oak barrels up close—rarely available to the casual visitor. Second, the guided tasting of their Gold Medal-winning gin, whiskey, and coffee liqueur lets you appreciate the flavors that have earned the distillery multiple awards in 2024. That said, it’s a one-hour experience, which is perfect for those short on time but eager to deepen their appreciation for spirits.

One potential consideration? The tour involves walking and standing, so it might not suit those with mobility issues unless stools are requested. Also, the age restriction means anyone under 21 will need to bring a guardian if they want to participate in the tour but won’t be able to join the tasting.

This experience is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers wanting to see the craft behind their favorite liquors, or anyone interested in supporting local, small-scale producers. If you’re keen on learning about distillation, discovering local ingredients, and tasting award-winning spirits, this tour is a small investment that offers rich insights.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Distillery Tour

2 Who Should Consider This Tour?

3 The Sum Up

4 FAQs

Key Points

Personalized behind-the-scenes access to a working distillery
Expert-guided tour explaining the craft and science of distillation
Tasting of award-winning spirits, including gin, whiskey, and coffee liqueur
Locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques at play
Small group setting (limited to 10 people), ensuring a more engaging experience
Great value for a well-rounded, educational, and flavorful experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Distillery Tour

You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Salt Lake City

What’s the Tour All About?

The Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery tour offers a close-up look at how small-batch spirits are made in Utah. Over approximately 45 minutes to an hour, a knowledgeable guide takes you into the heart of the operation—showing you the copper stills, production areas, and aging barrels—all while explaining the art and science that goes into each bottle.

What we love about this approach is the transparency. You’re not just observing; you’re gaining practical insights into the tools and techniques that make their spirits stand out. Guides discuss everything from the raw ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, to the distillation process, including the use of scientific instruments like refractometers and hydrometers. It’s a rare chance to see precision in action in a craft setting.

The Guide and Atmosphere

The guides’ passion and expertise shine through. As one reviewer put it, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making complex topics accessible without feeling overwhelming. Their enthusiasm fuels the experience, and you’ll appreciate how they explain the nuances of flavor development and the impact of different ingredients.

The setting is intimate, with a small group limited to 10 participants. This means plenty of opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about distillation. The tour is set in the gift shop of the distillery, which is a cozy space filled with their products and related souvenirs—ideal for those who want to pick up a bottle or two after the experience.

What Will You See?

Walking through the distillery, you’ll observe:

Copper stills gleaming with craftsmanship
Aging barrels, some dusty and oak-scented, hinting at the patience involved
Production areas where ingredients are processed
Scientific instruments that help fine-tune the process for consistency and quality

The guided tour gives you a visual understanding of the entire process, which enhances your appreciation when tasting the final products.

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Tasting the Award-Winning Spirits

The highlight for many is the guided tasting. You’ll sample the Gold Medal-winning gin, which has a delicate balance of botanicals; the rich whiskey, aged to perfection; and the coffee liqueur, which has earned multiple medals. The tasting is included in the price and is an excellent way to engage your palate with flavors that have already earned 7 gold medals and 3 double gold medals at spirit competitions in 2024.

Participants have praised the quality of the spirits—noted as being spectacular and absolutely delicious. The tasting, guided by friendly staff, helps you understand what makes these spirits special and why they’ve garnered such recognition.

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Practical Details and Value

The $20 fee is quite reasonable for an experience that combines education, tasting, and a behind-the-scenes look. The small group size ensures you won’t be just another face in the crowd, and the one-hour duration fits nicely into a day of exploring Salt Lake City.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves some walking and standing, so comfort and mobility are worth considering. The experience is available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with flexible booking options that allow you to reserve now and pay later—a smart choice if you’re planning a busy trip.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

Multiple reviewers highlight the passionate guides and the stunning visuals of the distillery environment. One from Poland said, “We had an amazing time… the passion and knowledge of the team really shine through,” while another from Italy called the spirits “spectacular” and highly recommended. These reviews underscore the authenticity and quality of the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a spirits lover or simply curious about how artisanal spirits are made, this tour offers a practical, engaging glimpse into the craft. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy learning about local products and appreciate small-batch quality. The experience also makes for a great gift or a unique date activity in Salt Lake City.

However, travelers under 21 are limited to the tour without tasting, and those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level with walking and standing.

The Sum Up

This Salt Lake City spirits tour offers a compelling mix of education, sensory experience, and authentic craftsmanship. For just $20, you get to witness the art of distillation, understand the science behind flavor, and taste spirits that have earned national recognition. The knowledgeable guides and small-group setting make it a memorable, personal experience—perfect for curious travelers eager to see a different side of Salt Lake City.

If you’re interested in supporting local producers and learning the story behind each sip, this tour is well worth your time. It’s a smart choice for those who want a high-value experience that combines education with the pleasure of tasting excellent spirits.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Persons under 21 are allowed to join the tour but cannot participate in the tasting. They need to bring a guardian if they wish to attend.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect short activity for a busy sightseeing day.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the distillery is not included, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and standing. Stools are available if you need to sit during the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves walking and standing, so consider mobility needs.

Can I reserve my spot in advance?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexible planning options.

Are the spirits really award-winning?
Yes, the distillery’s products have earned 7 gold medals and 3 double gold medals in 2024, indicating high quality and recognition.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Will I get to see the actual distillation process?
Absolutely. The guide will take you through the production process, explaining the techniques and equipment used.

Is there an opportunity to buy spirits after the tour?
Yes, the gift shop at the distillery offers their products for sale, so you can take home a bottle or souvenir.

This distillery tour offers a taste of Utah’s craft spirit scene—educational, flavorful, and authentic. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveler, it’s a great way to add a little local flavor to your Salt Lake City adventure.