The Fastest Hands in the High West competition highlighted and heralded national bartenders' prowess in Park City. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — High West Distillery crowned its national bartending champion Wednesday night at a packed venue just off Main Street, beneath the chairlift.

The competition drew bartenders from across the country to compete for the “Fastest Hands in the High West” title. After three elimination rounds, Gregory Bell (shown in the YouTube video below front center) of Philadelphia took home the $5,000 winner’s check. The distillery matched that amount with a donation to charity.

Contestants prepared drinks for three judges, who evaluated each cocktail against official mixed-beverage criteria. The audience enjoyed a gourmet dinner, swag bags and spirited entertainment complete with cowbells as they cheered on the competitors.