our story

West River Whiskey Co started as a dream in the summer of 2020 while sitting on the deck of a newly purchased cabin just outside of Deadwood.  While still living and working full time in the motorcycle business in Nashville, Joel and family sought to make a permanent move to South Dakota, pursuing a better life for the kids.

On the evening of the cabin closing, we sat on the deck of the newly purchased home, and in laws, Tom and Julie indicated there was a space in the heart of Main Street in Deadwood that needed a new lease on life.  “Do you have any ideas?”.  While working with Indian Motorcycle, Joel made great friends with some key executives at Jack Daniel’s.  Nashville had recently opened a Jack Daniel’s General Store, and it seemed like a similar concept would work well here in Deadwood.

We leveraged our relationships, and in April of 2021 we opened West River Whiskey Co.  Originally we opened with mostly Jack items, and a good mix of Deadwood gifts and swag.  Six months into operations, we were approached by our now business partner, Gordon Ommen of BlackFork Farms Distilling.  Gordon believed that the 3 Million plus visitors to Deadwood would fall in love with their Grain-To-Glass product.  

Over the last several years, we have built the West River, and BlackFork brands and literally introduced the world to South Dakota Bourbon.  Starting with just a handful of bourbon styles, we now proudly pour and sell over 15 different bourbon products.  In the winter of 2023 we also introduced BlackFork’s top shelf vodkas and Gins.

We are proud to be a part of Deadwood’s rich culture and community.  We have the finest team in town, and it shows.  In 2024 West River was named Deadwood Business of the Year by a group of our peers.  My team and I are proud to call Deadwood, and the Black Hills home.  We strive to give back to the community that has given us so much, as both Joel and Don proudly serve on the Deadwood Fire Department.

Thanks a million for visiting.  Your support means the world to my two kids, and I, and we look forward to making more friends as the years go by.

Learn more about spirit offerings here.

Cheers,

Joel Ellis

Owner