Mountain West Whiskey Fest brings in experts from across the area – and the world
Brian Nation, one of Ireland's premier Master Distillers, took his talents to Minneapolis and O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company. Nation is in Rapid City this weekend to bring their latest creation to Mountain West Whiskey Fest. He sat down with NewsCenter1's Darsha Nelson ahead of Saturday's events.
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Whiskey drinkers rejoice, this weekend is the annual Mountain West Whiskey Festival here in Rapid City.
The event brings together whiskey connoisseurs and industry experts for tastings. One of those industry experts is Brian Nation, the master distiller at O’Shaughnessy’s in Minneapolis.
Nation spent nearly a decade as the master distiller in Ireland for brands like Jameson and Redbreast.
After moving to Minneapolis in 2020 and breaking ground on the distillery, Nation and the team have launched a new whiskey just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Attendees at the festival will have a chance to taste “Keeper’s Heart” and learn about the brand.
“[We’re going] to talk about what our distillery stands for, about bringing people together, enjoying moments, sharing time together over a nice glass of whiskey,” Nation says. “Considering what has gone on over the last couple of years, actually having the opportunity to come together again at an event like this is really exciting for everybody.”
While tickets for the festival are sold out, many of the brands featured are available at local establishments on a regular basis.
