Beehive Distilling has earned a MICHELIN Star following the release of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American Southwest selection on Aug. 26, 2026. The Salt Lake City-based distillery, which was founded by three friends nearly two years ago, has seen a significant surge in interest following the announcement.
A Milestone for Southwest Gastronomy
The MICHELIN Guide's first selection for the American Southwest, which includes Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, highlighted five starred restaurants in the region. The announcement on Aug. 26, 2026, marks a milestone for the region's gastronomy, as the guide officially expanded its coverage to include these states.
Founding of Beehive Distilling
The distillery, located at 2245 South West Temple in Salt Lake City, was established by Matt Aller, Chris Barlow, and Erik Ostling. The three co-owners began the venture after working together in advertising and photography for more than 20 years. Their initial motivation for starting the business stemmed from shared frustrations regarding Utah's notoriously strict distilling laws.
Crafting the Signature Gin
The partnership between Aller, Barlow, and Ostling focused on the creative process of distilling gin. Their flagship product, Jack Rabbit Gin, was developed through an extensive series of recipe tests and tastings. The gin's label was designed in-house, featuring copper-embossed foil meant to represent both the metal used in stills and Utah's history of copper mining. The bottle also features a beehive seal to symbolize the state emblem of industry.
Distillery and Bar Operations
The distillery's facility spans 4,000 square feet of bar space and includes a fully operational distillery and an on-site DABC package agency. This allows customers to purchase bottles of spirits, including Jack Rabbit Gin, Barrel Reserve Gin, Sugarcane Vodka, Paradox Amaro, and Full Disclosure Rye Whiskey. The location also offers a full cocktail bar with beer on tap, making it the only distillery in Utah with a full bar.
Visitor Guidelines and Tours
Beehive Distilling maintains strict age requirements, remaining a 21+ space for all visits, including distillery tours and private events. While the facility features roll-up garage doors in the North Room and the main bar, the distillery does not classify these as true outdoor spaces, and smoking or vaping is prohibited inside. The distillery also offers weekly tours scheduled for Thursdays at 6:30 PM, alongside private tours available during bar hours.
Dining and Tasting Options
The distillery's menu, which expanded in July 2022, includes a variety of items such as sliders, fries, salad, and dessert, with options for both vegan and gluten-free diets. For those wishing to sample the spirits, the distillery offers tastings for $2 per 0.5oz. The bar's capacity is 180 people, while the North Room can accommodate up to 35 guests.
The Leadership Team
The co-owners bring diverse professional backgrounds to the distillery. Chris Barlow, a photographer by trade, serves as the lead distiller. Matt Aller has worked in the advertising industry for nearly three decades. Erik Ostling, who moved to Utah from Alaska, operates a downtown photography studio in addition to his work at the distillery.
