The Nelson Cottage by High West sits at 651 Park Ave in the heart of Park City, Utah, serving as High West’s sophisticated cocktail lounge and brand showcase. Named after Nelson Cottage, which originally stood on this site in the early Park City mining days, this upscale establishment opened as High West’s urban outpost to complement their main distillery operations in Wanship. Founded by David Perkins, a former biochemist who launched High West in 2006 as Utah’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, the brand has become synonymous with premium whiskey and innovative blending techniques.
The story begins with Perkins’ fascination with the American West’s distilling heritage and his vision to create “the West’s first ski-in gastro-distillery.” After opening the original saloon and distillery in a historic livery stable and garage in Park City, High West expanded operations to include this more refined cocktail destination. The Nelson Cottage represents High West’s evolution from scrappy startup to nationally recognized whiskey brand, serving as both a tasting room for their acclaimed whiskeys and a sophisticated bar experience in one of Utah’s most vibrant resort towns.
Visitors to The Nelson Cottage get the full High West experience without the drive to the main distillery. You’re walking into a carefully curated whiskey bar that showcases the brand’s entire portfolio, from their signature Campfire blend to limited releases. The atmosphere strikes a balance between Western authenticity and Park City sophistication, making it equally appealing to serious whiskey collectors and resort visitors looking for a premium drinking experience.
