Located at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Eight Settlers Distillery serves as a gateway to the scenic mountain terrain of the area. The business operates as both a distillery and a restaurant, situated at 7321 S Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. According to the company's website, the establishment offers craft cocktails, small-batch whiskey, and elevated dining. While the business maintains a location in Salt Lake City, the Cottonwood Heights site serves as a primary hub for its spirits and food service.
The distillery's production is led by Head Distiller Jakub Labedz. According to the distillery's own website, Labedz transitioned to the leadership position of head distiller after originally joining the team as an Assistant Distiller. His professional background includes expertise in food science, chemistry, and brewing. The distillery utilizes old school techniques with a modern twist to produce a unique take on classic spirits, including vodka and gin. One specific offering, Ragtown American Whiskey, is a 90 proof blend of two robust and smooth straight American whiskeys. The name of this whiskey pays homage to Ragtown, a settlement established in the 1800s midway between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to provide refuge and accommodation for miners traveling to and from the city.
Visitors to the Cottonwood Heights location can engage with the spirits in several ways. The establishment features a Trading Post where customers can purchase handcrafted spirits directly. According to the business's website, select products are also available through Utah state liquor stores. For those seeking a full experience, the restaurant provides dining options, though the kitchen closes 30 minutes before the restaurant itself closes. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, while operating from Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The Trading Post maintains different hours, operating Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Trading Post is also closed on Mondays.
Beyond retail and dining, the distillery offers tours to guests who are curious about the distilling process and the history that inspires the brand. These tours must be reserved in advance via a request form, and the business notes that walk-ins are not guaranteed. Because the site is an active production facility, access may be restricted for safety reasons. Additionally, the distillery maintains a strict age policy for tours, requiring all guests to be 21 or older with a valid ID; minors and children are not allowed inside the distillery. For those visiting the site, the business offers a limited number of complimentary parking spaces on-site, though guests are advised to use designated spaces or nearby private-owned paid parking to remain courteous to neighboring businesses.
What this means for Cottonwood Heights
For the residents of Cottonwood Heights, Eight Settlers Distillery provides a local destination for specialized spirits and dining. By offering both a restaurant and a retail Trading Post, the business connects the community to the area's history while providing a functional stop for those traveling to or from the canyon terrain.
