Grand Teton Distillery of Driggs, Idaho, announced its plans to open a new tasting room, adjacent to the distillery this winter. Construction has begun on an 8,000-square-foot space that will include a 2,000-square-foot tasting room, an area for additional production equipment and increased storage for the distillery. The new building will enable Grand Teton Distillery to increase its production capacity up to 50,000 nine liter cases annually in the coming years. Commemorating the distillery’s 10th anniversary, this is the second expansion since opening in 2011.
“We’re excited to create a space that will finally be able to accommodate more guests. We’ve outgrown both our warehouse and tasting room,” said Andrew Boczar, vice president of Grand Teton Distillery, in a press release. “As we enter our tenth year, we’re delighted to be able to welcome even more of the community along with tour buses — and we’re looking forward to increasing production at the same time.”
The new tasting room, designed by Better by Design, will be able to accommodate up to 50 guests and is ideal for locals, tour groups and events. Guests will enjoy complimentary tastings of Grand Teton Distillery’s award-winning spirits including its vodkas, whiskeys and bourbons. Tours of the distillery will be available by appointment, featuring the distilling process from grain to glass. Additionally, an enlarged shop will allow guests to purchase spirits and merchandise.
In line with Grand Teton Distillery’s sustainability efforts, a grant is being applied for that will enable solar panels to be installed on the south facing roof. Additionally, high volatility alcohol ‘heads,’ or the vapors that boil off during the distillation process, will be collected and used to provide some ambient heat to the new tasting room.
Slated to open to the public this winter, the tasting room will look to accommodate larger groups for the summer 2022 season.