Jackson Hole Still Works
Written By: Sarah & Steve Reish
We met Travis years ago at a local liquor store while he was doing a tasting for Jackson Hole Still Works. He told us that they had just started distilling vodka and gin and they were a small company. He and his business partner Chas take turns traveling around the country promoting their spirits. After sampling the vodka and gin, we knew that this company would go far.
Welcome to the Still
When we started this magazine we knew that we had to make a visit to Jackson Still Works. While in Jackson, we set up a time to meet with Travis, and when we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. They are closed for tastings at the moment; however, they are still doing take out drinks from the window - Sloshies are available and you need to try them. We happened to be there on St. Patty’s Day, and they had a mint chocolate chip sloshy. We tried the sloshy and dubbed it refreshing and tasty.
The Duo Behind The Spirits
We were excited to have part of the day scheduled to hang out with Travis, and it was great to meet Chas for the first time. These two are some of the nicest guys we have met and it shows in their company and how well they are liked within the community. As well as being nice guys, they are very hard working. Being a small company they do a lot of work themselves from sourcing regionally farmed grains, milling grain in house, mashing and fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling. The small outfit works hard to provide the high quality small batch craft spirits. They also travel the country to promote their spirit. They showed us around their distillery and how it all comes together. Although a small team, they are very efficient and pump out the spirits.
Label Art Competition
If you haven’t taken note of the bottles, be sure to get one and check it out, they truly are a work of art. They are very passionate in supporting local artists. They hold an annual “Spirit of Wyoming” competition which is an opportunity for local artists to have their work featured on the Jackson Hole Still Works Vodka label for a full year. 100% of the proceeds from the contest, voting party, and raffle of the original artwork benefit the Wyoming Arts Council. Check out all the previous submissions here.
Where to Find Jackson Hole Still Works
Having provided high quality spirits, Travis and Chas’ products can be found throughout Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
The Spirits
Jackson Hole Still Works sources their ingredients locally and even have a mountain well onsite, so all of the water used is mountain fresh. The tasting room is cozy and offers guests the opportunity to taste the spirits, buy the products, and get some cool merch.
Their first product was Jackson Hole Still Works Vodka - The vodka is high quality and is very smooth. This is a vodka you can sip over ice or use in your favorite craft cocktail recipe. It is gluten free and made with local corn and grains.
Great Gray Gin - Delicious and always handcrafted in ultra small batches. The gin carries citrus, peppery, and floral notes. This is a sipping gin and makes a fantastic G&T. We enjoy this gin and keep it on hand.
The Absaroka Double Cask Gin 49 - if you haven’t tried this you’re going to have to work to get a taste. This is not a traditional gin, nor is it whiskey - But if you like whiskey, you will enjoy this gin. It is not overpowering, a higher quality and unique spirit that we applaud. We enjoyed this straight, but it would be fantastic in a craft cocktail. Made once every 6 months and barrel aged for 13 months. This spirit is a cross between gin and whiskey and extremely limited as they are currently sold out.
Mix It Up
So, head to your local liquor store and support some amazing craft spirits from right here in Wyoming, or hit the road and stop by the still and say hello. Travis and Chas are an amazing team and have done a fantastic job creating an amazing product that we love. When you mix up your next drink featuring Jackson Hole Still Works be sure to post it on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
