By
clemence de crecy
on
9th July 2025
From the slopes of Utah, Sybarite contributor Clemence samples food-and-whiskey pairings at high altitude.
There’s something about drinking whiskey in the mountains that feels perfect. Perhaps it’s the way the cold sharpens your senses, making each sip richer. Or maybe it’s the warmth that spreads through you after a long day in the great outdoors. Some brands, such as High West Distillery, understand how to blend these elements beautifully.
Perched on the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, High West Distillery is integral to the skiing landscape. As the world’s only ski-in- ski-out distillery, it merges adventure with fireside comfort, creating a mountain retreat where whiskey is just one aspect of the overall experience.
You can ski or snowboard straight from the slopes into the warmth of the High West Saloon, located
in a historic livery stable, where a Rendezvous Rye or Old Fashioned awaits to take the edge off the chill. The air is rich with woodsmoke and spice, and time seems to slow down.
It feels as though this is just how whiskey is meant to be enjoyed. Guided tastings offer visitors
an understanding of how the high- altitude ageing process shapes the flavour profile of each bottle.
Spicy, complex Rendezvous Rye reflects the rugged peaks and boasts abundant rye flavours. The Campfire, meanwhile, blends bourbon, rye, and peaty Scotch. It captures the mountains’ wild, smoky unpredictability and makes for a perfect evening pour.
Pairing whiskey with food can be challenging, but here it is a considered process that is integral to the whole experience. The High West Saloon menu is centred around their whiskey, with dishes designed to complement rather than overpower your drink.
Slow-braised short ribs with bourbon glaze accentuate the deep flavourful notes of the rye, while alpine cheeses highlight the sweet and spicy layers of their spirits.
The fondue is a must-order, your chosen tipple sublimely cutting through the gooey richness. High West Distillery offers moments of respite, whether it’s enjoying a bourbon-laced hot toddy by the fire after a day on the slopes, or sharing a whiskey flight as the sky darkens. The distillery invites guests to slow down, breathe in the freshest of air and allow conversation to flow authentically with family and friends in the unique mountain surroundings.
There’s a reason people retreat to the mountains when they need to reset. The air is thinner, crisper and noticeably cleaner than in the city. The sheer scale of the mountain peaks gives perspective, minimising any issues you may have brought with you. Serenity instantly replaces stress.
Wellness in the mountains isn’t just about luxurious spa treatments or yoga retreats. It involves hiking up trails, soaking in nature, enjoying the vistas and listening to mountain birds sing. It means knowing that upon your return, you can sink into a warm thermal pool to unwind and reflect. I’ve found that sleep in the mountains is profoundly restorative, leaving me refreshed and eager to face the day ahead.
Mountains force you to be present. There’s no signal pulling you back to emails, no endless to- do lists demanding your attention. It promotes a kind of mindfulness that happens without even trying. Then there’s the simple joy of doing nothing at all, watching the light shift over the peaks, a warm drink in hand. No rush, no noise, just the quiet understanding that, for now, this is enough.
http://highwest.com/
