about us
After researching the history of Cottonwood Heights, Katia and Radu Dugala became intrigued by the rich history surrounding the early settlement of the area that is now known as Cottonwood Heights. In the mid-1800’s, eight families settled an area known at the time as Butlerville, Utah, nestled between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Amidst the Rocky Mountains and lush green valley, the families cultivated the land that was rich in timber, water, farmland, minerals and granite rock. Butlerville became vital to the valley, and as it thrived, the area became known as ‘The Place’ to be. As the area flourished, the area known as Butlerville became Cottonwood Heights in 1952, the home of Eight Settlers.
The area’s beauty and rich history inspired the creation of Eight Settlers, along with the desire to create a brand reminiscent of the pride and determination of the original settlers. We are proud to offer a brand that exemplifies a modern take on this unique historical heritage.
About Eight Settlers
Founders of Eight Settlers
After owning a business in Utah and successfully pioneering a restaurant and sports bar in California for 12 years, coupled with many years of researching the distillery business, we were ready to take the big leap to fulfill our longtime dream of opening our own distillery. Radu enjoyed distilling spirits as a young boy with his grandpa in his home country of Romania, and had his mind set on distilling professionally someday.
As Utah residents for more than 26 years, starting our next venture in our home state was a logical decision. We found Utah to be a beautiful state, a wonderful place to raise our family with its welcoming and friendly residents with a strong sense of community, and an inviting place for entrepreneurship.
Our hearts and souls are immersed in Eight Settlers and finally, after so many years of planning, we have been about to see our carefully crafted dream materializing. It has been an emotional and priceless journey for both of us and we embrace the opportunity to share it.
WELCOME TO EIGHT SETTLERS
DISTILLERY & RESTAURANT!
EXPERIENCE EIGHT SETTLERS
Eight Settlers is a marriage between the traditional western vintage look of the 1850’s with the more modern twist of the second industrial revolution. Our vision and idea derived from the early settlers who founded Union in 1849 to the emergence of the settlements of Butler Bench, Poverty Flats and Danish Town. These settlements inspired us to design a space unique and creative, likely to please even the most discerning. We played with our use of space and divided it into thematic rooms and areas that are a tribute to the settlers and settlements that originally developed between 1848 and 1872 in the area where Eight Settlers currently resides.
Would You Recommend Devil’s Gate Bourbon or Ragtown American Whiskey?
•Ragtown is for a more seasoned drinker. This Rye blend is multidimensional with complex flavors.
•Devil’s Gate is intentionally crafted with minimal flavor profiles and is one dimensional. This Bourbon is perfect for your entry level Bourbon/Whiskey drinker
When will the Whiskey and Bourbon made by Eight Settlers be available?
The Whiskey and Bourbon that was made from conception will be available in 2027
•However, we consider the product available now truly ours. Think of it in terms of our restaurant menu items. We receive our food product from multiple different food vendors but build it inhouse to create something that is unique to Eight Settlers. This is the same with our Ragtown Rye and Devil’s Gate recipes!
How are you able to sell bottles at the distillery? Isn’t that restricted in Utah?
Because Eight Settlers is a state-certified distillery, Utah law allows us to sell our own bottled spirits directly to guests on-site under a specific distillery retail license. This means you can purchase sealed bottles of Eight Settlers spirits straight from the source without needing to visit a state liquor store. This privilege applies only to products that are produced by Eight Settlers and sold at our Cottonwood Heights distillery location. Our downtown lounge operates strictly under a bar license and does not offer retail bottle sales for off-premise consumption.
In short: if it’s made here, we’re allowed to sell it here — one of the rare perks Utah actually got right.
Unlike the liquor stores, we are open on Sundays and Holidays!
Is Eight Settlers Distillery Family Friendly?
Our Cottonwood Heights location operates under a restaurant & bar license, making the main dining areas family-friendly. Keep in mind, our upstairs lounge is 21+ only.
Our Downtown Settlers Lounge operates strictly under a bar license and is 21+ only throughout the entire space.