Did you know some of the world’s best gin is made right here in Park City? That’s right, Alpine Distilling has risen to fame fast for its craft-distilled spirits, with its Alpine Elevated Gin leading the charge. And its elevated flavor and distillation is the creation of one woman: Sara Sergent.
After earning a diploma in gin in Scotland, Sara joined her husband, Rob, who founded Alpine Distilling in 2016. Only a few short years later, she’s become a highly recognized distiller in the U.S. and abroad.
The company’s first spirit, Preserve Liqueur, was awarded platinum at the international SIP Awards during its first year in production, and the accolades have piled up in the years since. Sergent’s botanicals are sourced from around the world and distilled into an award-winning gin through a proprietary vapor extraction method that’s earned the product multiple honors such as Gin of the Year in London, 4X Best Craft Gin by USA Today, and the highest ranked U.S. gin at the World Spirits Competition.
Sergent was inducted into London’s prestigious Gin Guild in May for her accomplishments in gin distillation, an honor bestowed to very few distillers. The guild operates to protect, promote and invigorate the distillation of quality “London” gin in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
A selection of Sergent’s gins are featured in the exclusive Gin Archive, a collection of over 5,000 gins from more than 60 countries held at a secret location. Through a private invite, Sara and Rob visited the Gin Archive on their recent trip to England.
In addition to crafting award-winning gin for public consumption, Sergent also shares her botanical expertise with others through Alpine Distilling’s Gin Experience, where guests distill their own custom varietal. Through this five-hour experience, which Sergent calls “adult arts and crafts,” she’s made over 2,400 unique gins—more than any other distiller in history.
Sergent also creates custom spirits for The St. Regis Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Capital One and The International Club for Rolls-Royce & Bentley Enthusiasts. Her passion for the spirit comes from family. “My grandma enjoyed gin — she sipped gin with her priest on Thursdays,” shares Sergent. “Gin is great as it makes you feel good, and the art of distillation goes back to biblical times.”
What makes Alpine Distilling’s gin so special? “We pull botanicals from around the world. Our custom-built vapor extraction allows for a proprietary balance of pressure and speed to pull chosen elements to produce a complex yet light, beautifully balanced gin,” she explains.
Rob is an accomplished distiller too and has earned the coveted Kentucky Colonel title from the Kentucky governor for his work in bourbon whiskey distillation and his accolades. Alpine Distilling currently produces five varieties of whiskey.
Spirits aficionados can taste and purchase Alpine Distilling products at liquor stores in Utah and nationally, as well as the company’s two Park City locations: the production facility and retail space at 7132 Silver Creek Road and the Park City Social Aid & Pleasure Club at 364 Main St.
Sergent describes the club as the extension of Alpine Distilling’s living room and a community gathering space. “We’ve had everything here from weddings, celebrations of life and marriage proposals to belly dancing, painting, yoga and an unveiling event for our new gin chocolate bar with Ritual Chocolate.” She adds, “We do a lot of fun things, and it’s a great place for locals.” alpinedistilling.com
