West River Whiskey Co. sits right on Main Street in historic Deadwood, South Dakota, bringing craft distilling to the heart of the Black Hills. Founded by local entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to create something new in this legendary Wild West town, the distillery opened its doors to offer handcrafted spirits in a place better known for casinos and gold rush history. They’re producing bourbon, rye, and vodka in small batches, turning grain into spirits just steps away from where Wild Bill Hickok once walked.
The operation focuses on creating quality spirits using traditional methods while embracing the rugged spirit of their location. The founders wanted to add another layer to Deadwood’s already rich story, giving visitors something beyond the usual tourist attractions. Their approach is straightforward—good ingredients, careful attention to the process, and letting the spirits speak for themselves.
When you visit, you’re getting a glimpse into a working distillery that’s still finding its footing in a town that’s seen everything. The space feels authentically Deadwood—not trying too hard to be rustic, just honest about what it is. You can taste what they’re making, learn about their process, and leave with bottles of spirits that capture a bit of this unique corner of South Dakota.
