Wood's High Mountain Distillery

In the heart of the historic downtown area of Salida lies a unique place where old traditions intertwine with the spirit of adventure — Wood's High Mountain Distillery. This artisanal enterprise occupies a building with a century of history, harmoniously fitting into the authentic atmosphere of old-town Colorado, USA.

Wood's High Mountain Distillery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The distillery was founded by brothers P.T. and Lee Wood, who aimed to create spirits with a true mountain character. The centerpiece of the production is "Ashley," an antique copper pot still made in Germany in the 1880s. This apparatus is one of the oldest operating stills in the world, giving the spirits a special, unmistakable profile.

The distinction of these local spirits lies in the use of the purest high-mountain water and local ingredients from the San Luis Valley. Here, they produce the famous Sawatch and Tenderfoot American single malt whiskeys, several types of gin, and an original vodka made from Colorado potatoes. The tasting room atmosphere is infused with a love for nature and the outdoors, making it a hub for both tourists and locals.

For details on tastings or to book a tour, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to stop by Wood's High Mountain Distillery is, of course, a tasting. In the cozy tasting room, you can order flights to sample several types of whiskey, gin, or signature liqueurs at once. The bartenders masterfully craft creative cocktails using their own spirits, highlighting the complex flavors achieved through a long, eight-day fermentation process.

If you're interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the production, it's worth booking a tour in advance. You'll be shown the legendary 19th-century copper still alongside modern equipment, while learning the fine details of distilling from malted barley, rye, and wheat. It is a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the creation of spirits that have earned high ratings among connoisseurs.

In addition to tastings, you can purchase branded merchandise or rare, limited-release spirits that are hard to find outside of Salida. Since the distillery is located near popular rafting routes on the Arkansas River, a visit here often serves as a rewarding finale to a water adventure with friends.

Finding the distillery is easy: it is located at 144 W 1st St, in the heart of the historic downtown, just steps away from the scenic Arkansas River. The town is considered one of the region's outdoor adventure capitals, so the routes here are well-traveled.

If you are arriving by car, it is most convenient to use highways US-50 or US-285. The drive from Denver takes about 2.5 hours (approximately 240 km), and from Colorado Springs, it's about 2 hours. Parking is available in the city center, allowing you to leave your car within walking distance of the establishment.

For those who prefer public transport, there is an option to arrive via Greyhound bus. Once you reach the town, the distillery is a quick walk or a short local taxi ride away. The compact nature of the downtown area makes walking a pleasant addition to your trip.

The story of this place didn't begin within factory walls, but during a 21-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon in 1996. It was there, by a nightly campfire, that P.T. Wood, an experienced river guide, envisioned creating his own spirit that would perfectly reflect the adventurous spirit of the Colorado mountains.

The realization of this ambitious plan began in 2008 when P.T. teamed up with his brother, Lee Wood. The official opening took place on November 13, 2012. For production, they chose a unique piece of equipment—an antique German copper pot still named "Ashley," built in the 1880s. This industry "veteran" was moved from Germany to the USA in the mid-20th century and remains in operation today.

The distillery is famous for its approach to raw materials: they use only malted grains and potatoes from the high-altitude San Luis Valley, located at an elevation of over 2,400 meters. P.T. Wood is so dedicated to his region that he has even served two terms as the town's mayor, actively promoting local tourism and the craft production culture.

In 2018, the production expanded significantly: two new 2,400-liter stills and a modern rectification column were added to complement the historic "Ashley." Today, the project is often called a "ten-year startup" that continues to experiment with high-altitude whiskey aging, creating a truly authentic Colorado product.

For a standard visit, which includes tasting several varieties of whiskey or gin and relaxing with a signature cocktail, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic building and pick out a bottle of your favorite spirit as a gift.

If you plan to take a production tour, we recommend setting aside an extra hour. Given the establishment's popularity and its location in the heart of the tourist zone, a visit to the distillery is the perfect way to cap off an active day of rafting or mountain hiking.

The distillery is open to visitors daily, though the schedule varies depending on the day of the week. On weekdays (Tuesday and Wednesday), the establishment usually opens a bit later at 3:00 PM, while from Thursday through Monday, the doors open as early as 12:00 PM. The bar traditionally closes at 10:00 PM, staying open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

As Wood's High Mountain Distillery is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays, it is recommended to check the up-to-date schedule on the official website before your visit.

A stroll around the distillery's neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the town's welcoming atmosphere. Within a radius of just a few hundred meters, you'll find the region's best culinary spots to continue your evening after a tasting.

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