Much like the rest of the U.S., Utah is heavily involved in the small-batch distillery industry. Similar to how the craft beer revolution exposed Americans to locally produced beers, micro-distilleries that create handcrafted spirits like distinctively flavorful whiskey, vodka, and rum are introducing handcrafted spirits to American palates. The Distillers Guild of Utah works to promote the local distillery scene, craft distillers, and their spirits.

Today, alcohol is a large part of the culture in Utah and this can make the laws and regulations of alcoholic beverages blurry. The Distillers Guild of Utah is there to help keep the distillers of Utah in line with the law and to help promote the distilling industry across the U.S.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the Distillers Guild of Utah and everything you need to know about being a distiller in the state of Utah.

Let’s get into it!

Who Are The Distillers Guild Of Utah?

Distillers guilds are created within the majority of states to help guide local distilleries. And that is exactly what the Distillers of Guild of Utah are.

With over 20 distilleries and 15 wineries in operation within the state of Utah, the Distillers Guild of Utah is essential in ensuring that these businesses run in alliance with the law.

The Distillers Guild of Utah is a non-profit organization that promotes the best practices for distilleries and also educates customers about the different products being produced.

The Guild informs their members of the most up-to-date regulations, laws, and legislation, and also the best techniques for promotion and marketing.

They were founded in 2015 and have since accrued over 500 members on Facebook which is where most of their communication takes place. The Distillers Guild of Utah contact on their Facebook group is part of Dented Brick Distillery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Where Is The Distillers Guild Of Utah Located?

The Distillers Guild of Utah is located on Main Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are a voice and body for both distillers and consumers of distilled spirits across the state.

What Does The Distillers Guild Of Utah Do?

The Distillers Guild of Utah aims to promote and protect the distillers and consumers of distilled spirits throughout the state of Utah.

The Guild works in partnership with the American Crafts Spirits Association, The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Service (UDABS), and other bodies in the distilled craft spirits industry to ensure their members are aware of the current laws and regulations of distilling spirits.

The Distillers Guild of Utah also holds events. This allows all of their members to come together, promote their business, connect with others in the industry, and educate each other on innovative techniques.

The guild is great for using social media in order to promote the products and events that its members are creating. This allows consumers to be invited into the world of the distilleries and build a sense of community!

History Of Distilling In Utah

Utah has an incredibly long and rich history within the industry of distilling. The first documented record of distillers in Utah was provided in 1862. This is later than other states across America but Utah has really put in the work.

Distilling was a way of life for the early inhabitants of Utah since alcohol was a main treatment and a way to preserve food that would have otherwise gone bad.

The state of Utah, along with the rest of the United States was prohibited from producing, transporting, and the sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to the early 1930s. However, once the production of distilling spirits was once again legalized, Utah became a major provider of beers and wine.

In 1935, the first state liquor stores opened their doors in Salt Lake City and Ogden, resuming the flow of legal alcohol in the state. While Utahns excitedly purchased the formerly illegal alcoholic beverages, business was brisk at the new outlets; in the first fifteen days of operation, receipts reached $54,866.

Utah State Feeds & Licenses

Although Utah does issue permits for distilleries, the state is the most onerous and restrictive to distillers that have ever been seen. A distillery must post a $10,000 bond in addition to the $3,800 registration charge and $300 application fee.

There are also various licenses required to own and operate a distillery in Utah. A Distillery Alcoholic Product Manufacturer license in order to operate a distillery can cost just under $3000.

Some distilleries within the state of Utah are also being provided with a Packing Agency License. This allows the licensed distillery to sell their products on the premises which were previously illegal.

If the Distillery is planning to sell its products at different locations, which is required unless they have a Packing Agency License, then the premises will also need a Liquor Transport License. The cost of this license varies depending on the amount of liquor being transported.

As you can see, owning and operating a functioning distillery is no easy feat. Each section of the distillery requires its own license and even then, there are still laws that can stop its production or distribution

Distilling Laws In Utah

The laws on the distilling of craft spirits, beer, and wine have remained the same for some time. However, recently Hard Seltzers have become popular among consumers which has caused the government to change the law.

The Utah legislature is removing Hard Seltzers from grocery stores if they contain the additive ethyl alcohol. This gives the beverage its amazing taste but it can be harmful to humans.

It is no secret that Utah laws on alcohol are continuously changing. This makes the Distillers Guild of Utah essential for working distilleries in the state.

Final Thoughts

Owning and operating a distillery in the state of Utah can be tricky. Laws are often changing making it difficult to know which licenses you should have, and what processes you need to follow in order to work in accordance with the law.

The Distillers Guild of Utah is an essential part of the distilling industry in Utah. They help promote the distilleries within the state while providing members with accurate, up-to-date information on laws and regulations.