High West Founder Joins Minnesota’s O’Shaughnessy Distilling As Latest Top Tier Whiskey Expert

David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery, has joined the O’Shaughnessy Distilling team in the role of “liquid collaborator and advisor,” where he will work closely with O’Shaughnessy’s master distiller Brian Nation, formerly working at Midleton.

David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery, has joined the O’Shaughnessy Distilling team in the role of “liquid collaborator and advisor,” where he will work closely with O’Shaughnessy’s master distiller, Brian Nation, as the two explore and create new innovations in whiskey.

Nation is responsible for notable world whiskies such as Redbreast, Midleton and Jameson, a role he left last year. Nation joined the O’Shaughnessy Distilling family to embark on a new journey, and challenge, he said … to marry the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions.

Perkins, meanwhile, spent the first 14 years of his career in biotechnology. In 2004, he decided to pursue his passion for whiskey and founded High West Distillery, creating several innovative whiskeys that have won top ratings and accolades.

Nation-Perkins
Brian Nation (left), former Midleton master distiller, is joined at O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company by David Perkins (right), founder of High West. (image via screengrab of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company video)

Their combined knowledge and whiskey making expertise will bring together two iconic styles of whiskeys as they experiment with unique distilling, finishing and ageing techniques under the banner of the Keeper’s Heart brand.

“Brian and David are blending together their extraordinary talents, to create truly unique flavor profiles in whiskey,” said Patrick O’Shaughnessy, co-founder of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, in a prepared statement. “They are two brilliant whiskey makers who thrive on pushing boundaries of whiskey making while embodying the mission and values of our company, centered on bringing people together for unique shared experiences around a world class whiskey portfolio.”

Perkins said he enjoys looking for ways to create new and different whiskeys, “and working alongside an experienced master distiller like Brian Nation and the full team at O’Shaughnessy is a bucket list opportunity to reimagine the boundaries of whiskey.”

Nation said that he, too, is “incredibly excited to be working with David Perkins. Our talents will come together to blend the best of Irish and American whiskey and result in something truly special.”

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Keeper’s Heart will be available this summer along with the opening of the O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company’s distillery in Minneapolis. Keeper’s Heart offers a unique membership program, Cask Society, which provides whiskey fans with the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind barrel.

Gary Carter

Gary Carter, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in media, has steered the course for metro newspapers, magazines, and television news programs. Additionally, he has excelled as a radio host and marketing manager. A writer, editor, photographer, and designer by trade, Gary boasts over 30 years of experience in publishing and marketing. He thrives on building something great, whether it's a groundbreaking project, a budding start-up, an organization, a fresh face in journalism, or even a captivating short story. A native Texan who has embraced the Pacific Northwest, Gary is a whiskey enthusiast with a passion that runs deep - he literally cut his teeth on it!

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