High West selected to host Friends of James Beard Benefit events

Master Distiller Brendan Coyle (left) and Executive Chef Michael Showers will host two Friends of James Beard Benefit events in early April. Photo: Graff PR.

PARK CITY, Utah — The James Beard Foundation selected High West Distillery to host two Friends of James Beard Benefit events to support their Open for Good campaign. Friends of James Beard Benefit are events that help fund programs executed by the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry,” stated on its website.

“It’s an absolute honor to be chosen to host two Friends of James Beard Benefit events by the James Beard Foundation, and we are excited to host our friends at Copper & Kings Distillery Louisville,” said High West Executive Chef Michael Showers. “We look forward to sharing our world-class hospitality with our guests to help support the independent restaurant industry across the country.”

On Friday, April 9, High West will partner with Louisville-based Copper & Kings, an American brandy distillery influenced by whiskey and music for “A Taste of Kentucky in the West,” a dinner of crafted cocktails, straight pours, and inventive cuisine. On Saturday, April 9, High West will host “The Art of Craft,” a special evening featuring finely crafted food, exclusive spirits from the vault, and handcrafted tableside cocktails. High West Executive Chef Michael Showers will lead the evening with Master Distiller Brendan Coyle and Beverage Manager Holly Booth.

Funds raised for these Friends of James Beard Benefit events will directly support the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good program. The campaign aims to help independent restaurants survive the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, rebuild better, and thrive for the long term. Through critical resources, advocacy, and emergency and investment grants, Open for Good aims to help restaurants come back stronger, more equitable, more sustainable, and more resilient.

A Taste of Kentucky in the West; An Evening with Copper & Kings American Brandy @ High West

April 8, 2022

6:30 p.m. MT

High West Refectory | 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, UT

$200

Tickets can be purchased here.

When prompted, enter password: HWCKJBB-Apr22

An evening featuring Copper & Kings American Brandy. This rustic event will focus on crafted cocktails & straight pours by Distiller Brandon O’Daniel and the inventive cuisine of Chef Josh Lehman. This is an opportunity to experience an amazing spin on American Brandy crafted on the bourbon trail.

The Art of Craft: The Food, Spirits & Cocktails of High West

April 9, 2022

6:30 p.m. MT

High West Refectory | 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, UT

$400

Tickets can be purchased here.

This bespoke event will feature High West Executive Chef Michael Showers, Master Distiller Brendan Coyle, and Beverage Manager Holly Booth. The evening will showcase High West’s culinary prowess with finely crafted food, exclusive spirits from the vault, and handcrafted tableside cocktails.