Meet Tyler Halstead | President and CEO at Outlaw Distillery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Halstead and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The true blessing of being an entrepreneur is recognizing, understanding, and getting comfortable with “Risk”.

The best business people in the world are judged, and remembered, by the risks they take. But what most people don’t see are the sleepless nights, the stressed out – grey hairs, and the mind numbing calculation behind each “risky” decision. The secret to risk is knowing one’s limits.

The most “risky” decision I have ever made is playing out today.

Less than a year ago, I made the decision (with the support of my amazing wife, family, employees, and friends) to expand our business to Arizona by acquiring a pre-existing distillery. We now own and operate two (2) craft distilleries in two (2) states.

While the decision may seem simple, or even logical, the layers of complications were massive; we packed our dream home out in the mountain country and moved 10 hours to the desert, we entrusted staff to manage and take care of our baby (production facility in Utah), we left our friends, family, and community, and we started over in a new state.

While many people see this as risky, for my wife and I this was the calculated culmination of years of tough discussions, designing (together) a vision for our family, and chasing our dreams!

And, this is turning into the best decision we have ever made.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We started in 2015 in Midvale, Utah. Against all odds, and operating in the toughest state in the nation, we have carved out an incredible little business and growing piece of the craft spirits scene.

Now we own and operate two (2) of the best distilleries in the nation. Our Utah facility has turned into a production powerhouse with the tools, talent, and capabilities of distilling the best spirits at scale. And Arizona has become our Corporate Headquarters including a full-service tasting room, cocktail bar, and production distillery that serves as an innovation hub allowing us to make, play, and create some of the most unique spirits.

With the power of two (2) craft distilleries we have an incredible opportunity to become one of the leading distilleries and brands in all of the Southwest.

I joined Outlaw Distillery in 2020 with a dream of proving that “Utah” deserved a place in the best whiskeys conversation. I was incredibly blessed to have been able to develop a true mentorship and friendship with Kirk Sedgwick (the Founder of Outlaw Distillery). Kirk not only taught me to distill, he remains by my side every day (yes 5+ years later) as a key confidant, employee and friend. I am incredibly proud and thankful to have the working relationship we have and I recognize how rare it for an entrepreneur to sell his company and then continue to support endlessly as Kirk continues to do.

But none of this has been easy. Years of work, loads of money, and the ability to adapt (and overcome) have led us to this point and now I can confidently say we are achieving things no other craft distillery can compare to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohh fun. Any time we get to play host in this town I discover a whole new passion and love for Arizona.

Daytime Activities: Arizona has the most incredible craft beverage scene and as it continues to develop/evolve that passion in every sip will begin to be noticed by a wider audience. As a craft distiller, I love supporting our other local craftsmen and women. My must visit spots include local breweries, cideries, and if I recommend every person who ever visits Arizona take at least one (1) trip to Trevor’s!

Dinner: So many incredible options and I have yet to have a bad meal here in Arizona. But Stockyards Steakhouse tops my list. Not feeling steaks, the Pizza in this state is mind blowing, the Mexican food is world class, and the care that goes into our seafood (shout our Buck and Rider and Chula) speaks volumes.

Night: How can you host in Arizona and not celebrate our local cocktail culture especially the speakeasies. The White Rabbit in Gilbert is worth the visit just for the decor alone not to mention the quality of the cocktails. Anything Century Grand is like Disneyland for adults.

But truth is I am a bit of a home-body so when people visit I like to hang at home with a day in the pool, a kick ass BBQ, and a nice pour of something special to celebrate the moment.
On that note, cheers! And I hope to see you around town soon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First to my wife, “Mrs. Outlaw” I can never say thank you enough. She embodies everything I have ever dreamed my business could become and she supports me tirelessly through all the pressure, pain, stress, and success. She is my rock and my gravity!

Secondly, to my staff. Thank you for stepping up in ways you may not have even known were possible. I cherish each of you as being part of my “Outlaw Family”. Thank you for trusting me with this dream.

Thirdly, to all my previous bosses, colleagues, coaches, professors, mentors, and friends… Thank you! I never imagined my career leading to where we are today. I was a young kid who spent Friday nights researching the careers of people I admired now I get to live my dream job as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Lastly to all the customers, fans, and “Outlaws” out there. Thank you for believing in this little grain-to-glass craft distillery that started in Utah (of all places) and now successfully operates in 2 states with a nationwide reach. Outlaws are Everywhere and thank you for supporting us endlessly.

Website: https://www.OutlawDistillery.com

Instagram: @outlawdistillery and @outlawdistilleryAZ

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhalstead/

Facebook: @OutlawDistillery and @OutlawDistilleryAZ

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/outlaw-distillery-tempe?osq=outlaw+distillery