West: 2026 Top Tasting Rooms

Western Tasting Rooms

The Top Tasting Rooms is a new 2026 list we released through Craft Spirits Magazine. Top tasting rooms—46, to be exact—were chosen through a comprehensive review of each nomination’s design, atmosphere, and community impact. Evaluators looked at when the space opened, how the layout functions for guests and staff, and how well the design and ambiance reflect the distillery’s brand and ethos. They also considered the range of events hosted, the space’s commitment to inclusivity, and any unique, innovative, or story‑driven elements that set the tasting room apart.

The Whiskey Sanctuary at Laws Whiskey House

Denver, Colorado
lawswhiskeyhouse.com
The design mirrors the Laws brand’s “raw, no-frills ethos through Brutalist-inspired architecture and expressive, low-cost materials,” the team explains. The space features the Whiskey Church, where distillery tours begin, defined by hand-built wooden pews and tall, cathedral-style windows. A spiral staircase inspired by the inside of a whiskey barrel connects guests to the second-floor cocktail lounge, which offers floor-to-ceiling windows, and mountain views.. Programming includes guided talks and tastings with the Colorado farmers who grow Laws’ grain, vinyl nights, the Laws Literary Lounge featuring Sip & Swap gatherings, and silent book club evenings. What’s more, the design team, BOSS.architecture earned the Design of Excellence Award at the American Institute of Architects Colorado Design Awards.

Dry Land Distillers

Longmont, Colorado
drylanddistillers.com
The design is very unique to Colorado. Dry Land Distillers honors their roots by respecting the original 1940s – 1960’s original use as the Valley Farm Dairy. During the build, there was a focus on incorporating local artisans; for example, cabinets are crafted by a local woodworker from a giant plains cottonwood tree that was removed (almost 100 years old) from downtown Boulder. The breeze block for one of the walls were sourced from a 4th generation clockmaker in Durango, Colorado. Even the distilling equipment, which is integrated into the space, was fabricated less than 30 miles away by a fabricator in Broomfield, Colorado.

Talnua Distillery

Arvada, Colorado
talnua.com
Due to the tasting room’s intimate setting, visitors can experience the craft behind their libations firsthand—often overhearing staff discussions and even offering feedback on new cocktail creations. The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophistication and approachability, offering a space to explore and connect with friends, neighbors, and the community.

10th Mountain Whiskey

Vail, Colorado
10thwhiskey.com
The space that 10th Mountain describes as “casual, cozy, and inviting,” with “rustic, elevated ski lodge vibes,” features cozy leather chairs and rustic wood accents, with one wall made from used upcycled barrel staves. 10th Mountain hosts a variety of fundraisers, from helping wounded veterans to learn adaptive sports to preserving local history. There are many historical artifacts on display to tell the story of the 10th Mountain (light infantry) Division’s history and particular the role it played in the ski industry. It’s got an amazing view of Gore Creek, to boot.

Backwards Distilling Co.

Casper, Wyoming
www.backwardsdistilling.com/
The tasting room evokes the sense of stepping under the big top of a traveling circus, blending seedy circus nostalgia with a polished, loungey atmosphere. Vintage steamer trunks, stacked luggage, gilt mirrors, velvet-flocked wallpaper, vibrant colors and patterns, and warm Edison bulbs create a moody, theatrical setting. The calendar is packed with highly themed and immersive events, like “The Landlubber Lounge”, where Backwards transforms the space into a kitschy, landlocked tropical pop-up and “The Other Side”, which is the distillery’s haunted circus tent Halloween pop-u[. Then there’s the 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails Series and annual Christmas Eve Hot Cocoa Party where Backwards features one-day-only holiday cocktails for standing room only crowds. Other local favorites include I’Scream for Cocktails (an ice cream truck/cocktail collab), Boozy Donut Sundays, Tipsy Mother’s Day Tea, and new this year, our Good Old Fashioned Father’s Day event. Entertainment throughout the year includes magic shows, drag performances, and even interactive screenings like Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Koenig Distillery

Caldwell, Idaho
koenigdistillery.com
The layout of our tasting room and retail area is intentionally open, making it easy for the team to to engage with guests wherever they are. Koenig’s also created a variety of seating options, from cozy couches and chairs for small groups to movable tables that can be rearranged for larger gatherings, so everyone can settle into a space that feels right for them. The distillery also doesn’t want to upstage one of the real stars of the show, with breathtaking views of its orchards and Owyhee Mountains.

Alpine Distilling

Park City, Utah
alpinedistilling.com
The folks at Alpine consider the tasting room to be a “sort of living room” for the Park City community, with regular events that include guided tastings, gin-making workshops with master distiller Sara Sergent, live music, art classes, and table games. The distillery also makes the space—which the team describes as “elegant, feminine, verdant, modern, unique, striking, comfortable, and relaxing—available for private events.

Alchemy Distillery

Arcata, California
alchemydistillery.com
All are welcome at Alchemy Distillery with its 16-person hexagon bar at the center, which encourages customers to leave with new friends even if they entered the room alone. There is also a sustainability-forward design with the “rocks” glasses and light fixtures are made from their spirits bottles, reclaimed bowling alley lanes for tables, glass straws, and bathrooms that have a sink with water/soap/hot air so no paper towels are needed.

St. George Spirits

Alameda, California
stgeorgespirits.com
Situated on the edge of the former airstrip of the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Station, the tasting room spans the entire western side of the aircraft hangar with panoramic views of the San Francisco city skyline and beyond. From our adjacent, gardened deck you can see the iconic bridges of The Bay, the cranes of the Port of Oakland and sometimes even the outline of Mt. Tam. Taking inspiration from the mid-century industrial designs of the former WWII aircraft hangar, the tasting room incorporates bold elements of brushed aluminum, glass, concrete and steel work, with touches of dark wood, hand-printed stationary materials, green plants and some of the team’s favorite books filling the open spaces.

Jettywave Distillery

Half Moon Bay, California
jettywave.com
Scattered throughout Jettywave’s outdoor dining space are planters filled with edible plants and ingredients used in the distillery’s cocktails and food. The distillers say that by growing their own ingredients they can be certain of their quality and alignment with its commitment to source locally. Additionally, Jettwave is big on showcasing coastal elements throughout its decor, mirroring similar imagery on its bottles. Among the regular events are paint nights, line dancing, movie nights, and book signings.

Webb’s Grainworks

Aliso Viejo, California
webbsgrainworks.com
The vibe is “Old West industrial” with a nod to vintage automobilia. The high-ceilinged space offers a dramatic sense of place and time—in what other tasting room are you going to find a Santa Fe Railroad caboose built into the wall? The distillery leans into the “grain” part of its name, with bread baked fresh daily, as well as an on-site brewery.

Mastrogiannis Distillery

North Bend, Washington
mastrogiannisdistillery.com
The concept for the space was inspired by the owners’ Greek roots and family recipes passed down through generations. It features a palette of rustic textures, warm wood tones, and deep Mediterranean greens designed to evoke a sense of authenticity and comfort. At the heart of the space stands a striking custom bar, where the Greek key motif is the backdrop for “a timeless symbol of unity and eternity and was reinterpreted in the bar back shelving to echo the distillery’s logo and identity.” There’s also a hand-painted mural depicting olive branches and the symbolic Greek evil eye pays homage to Greek culture and is a gesture of protection and good fortune. History and TV buffs take note: the tasting room is located in a historic downtown landmark, with the original wood beam ceiling. In the early ’90s, the second floor of the building served as the shooting location for the jail scenes on “Twin Peaks.”

Whistling Andy Distillery

Bigfork, Montana
whistlingandy.com
This space distills the Montana landscape into a palette of warm wood, charcoal steel, and golden spirits. It blends a refined “high-country” style with the genuine, down-to-earth warmth of a local community center. Whether it’s a lively family gathering in the afternoon or a round of craft cocktails in the evening, the open layout and natural wood finishes create a cozy setting for everyone. This is where Bigfork meets to celebrate, proving that world-class spirits and a friendly, open-door welcome go hand in hand.