Note: If you are reading this from West Fork, I would love to come visit. This post is from my research online and I would love to write a post about my actual experience.

I’ve been a fan of West Fork Whiskey for quite some time. Their downtown location was a frequent stop when the wife and I were looking for a good cocktail. I think their bourbon and other spirits have really grown over the years, especially the Old Hamer line, but I think I’m not the only one who feels that way.

This past year, West Fork Whiskey (or how they spell it West Fork Whsky) opened a new location in Westfield. Although I haven’t had a chance to actually make it up to the new location yet, it’s on my list and I wanted to give a rundown on what to expect.

Located in booming Westfield, Indiana, our 35,000 sq. ft. facility is home to The Mash House Restaurant, Stave Cocktail Lounge, and 5,000 sq. ft. Event Center. Our whiskey distilling operations are expected to be fully operational at the beginning of 2023, at which point distillery tours will begin. In the meantime, we offer whiskey education and tastings 5 days a week with private dining and seasonal events.

West Fork Whsky Website

The Location

The new location is up in the Westfield area about 30 minutes north of Indianapolis. It’s a easy drive from Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville. I haven’t been up to the location, but I was able to pull a blueprint from the website. Looks like it’s a blended version of a distillery, barrel storage, a restaurant, and a cocktail lounge. It also includes event space and outdoor space (plus plenty of parking – way better than their downtown location).

The Tours

This might be the part I’m most excited for. The Barrel Thieving Experience!

What could be better than trying bourbon straight from the barrel!?!

I’ve only ever done this at Three Boys (aka Whiskey Thief Distilling) in Kentucky and it was one of the best tours ever.

It looks like West Fork has these tours Thursday – Sunday and the cost is reasonable as well (only $25).

You can schedule a barrel thieving tour here.

The Mash House Restaurant

The distillery has a restaurant called the Mash House. If they put as much work into their food as they do their bourbon and spirits, I imagine this restaurant will be amazing as well. I’ll report back once I have a chance to give it a try.

From the West Fork website:

An Indiana-focused, family-friendly restaurant led by Chef Carlos Salazar, bringing new interpretations of the food you know and love. Visit us in Westfield for a meal, a cocktail, or bourbon tasting! Our restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and something on the menu for everyone!

The Menu

Here is a link to the menu.

A few things that jumped out to me:

I’m a sucker for tenderloins, so I’m going to be getting one of these two sandwiches (I tend to love spicy food, so I’m most likely going to get the Westfield Hot).

If I don’t end up picking the Westfield Hot Tenderloin, I’ll go with the nachos or the Smoke & Fire burger.

There is also a brunch menu that looks killer. I might have to rearrange the plan to make it up on there on a Sunday instead of a week night.

Weekly Specials

I’m always looking for a deal, so here are their weekly specials for your reference.

Tuesdays – $6 West Fork American Lagers

Wednesdays – $8 Old Fashioneds and $5 Off To-Go Bottles

Thursdays – $8 Beer & Shot (The Dave) and 1/2 off bottles of wine

The Stave Cocktail Bar

I always felt like the downtown West Fork Whsky location felt like a small cocktail lounge and I loved it. I could sit there and enjoy a cocktail and a conversation. When I saw the new Westfield location, I was worried it was going to be bigger and it would lose the feel for the small intimate feel. I haven’t been to the location yet, but I’m hoping this isn’t the case.

From the Wesk Fork Website:

Stave offers warm hospitality, attentive, full-table service, knowledgeable staff, and uncompromising quality in all offerings. This intimate cocktail lounge showcases the elegance and versatility of whiskey in its simplest and most complex expressions. Stave’s cocktail menu is exclusively available within its space. 

This speakeasy-inspired lounge is cozy, intimate, and can be on a wait during peak hours.

A few things jump out to me right away. I know my wife will want to try the Espresso Martini and I know I’ll have to grab a smoked old fashioned (I don’t know why, but I love these things). I also learned that I would be labeled as rugged (imagining me as a rugged mountain man is hysterical).

Conclusion

I look forward to making a trip up to Westfield and trying out the new West Fork Distillery. I plan on taking my wife for a nice dinner followed by a drink or two in the cocktail lounge. I then plan on taking a group of my bourbon drinking friends to the do the Barrel Thieving Tour. I’m hoping I might be a short drive away from an amazing distillery and restaurant. Once I do, I’ll give an actual review of my trip.

Stay tuned!