There are craft distilleries, and then there is Backwards Distilling Company. Tucked into a lively corner of downtown Casper on East Second Street, this place is the kind of discovery that makes you want to call your friends immediately and say, “Drop everything. We need to go to Wyoming.”
From the moment you walk through the door, you know you are somewhere genuinely different. The space feels like the love child of an industrial warehouse and a warm Wyoming ranch house — exposed brick, copper still gleaming behind glass, handcrafted woodwork everywhere you look. It is the sort of atmosphere that makes you slow down, settle in, and order something you have never tried before. Which, at Backwards, is exactly the point.
What sets Backwards Distilling apart from the growing crowd of American craft spirits producers is a fierce commitment to creativity. The team here does not just make vodka and call it a day. They are producing small-batch whiskeys, gins, rums, and a rotating roster of seasonal and specialty spirits that reflect genuine craft and a healthy sense of fun. Their names alone — think “Saddleback” and uniquely Wyoming-inspired labels — hint at the personality behind every bottle.
The cocktail menu is where things really shine. Each drink is conceived with the same care you would expect from a serious kitchen. Bartenders here know their craft, and they are genuinely happy to walk you through the flavor profiles, suggest pairings, and help you find your new favorite. Whether you gravitate toward something smoky and spirit-forward or something bright and botanical, there is a drink with your name on it. The seasonal menus keep regulars coming back, because something interesting is always new.
Beyond the bar, Backwards hosts distillery tours that are worth every minute. You will get a close-up look at the production floor, learn about the distillation process in plain, engaging terms, and sample spirits straight from the source. For anyone even mildly curious about how craft spirits are made, this is one of the most entertaining and educational hours you can spend in Casper.
The food menu rounds out the experience beautifully. Local ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and generous portions make this a legitimate dining destination, not just a drinks stop. On warm evenings, the outdoor patio is the place to be, with mountain air drifting in and the kind of easy conversation that only happens when everyone around you is relaxed and well-fed.
Backwards Distilling has earned its reputation as one of Casper’s premier social anchors, beloved by locals and quickly discovered by visitors who are smart enough to wander off the main tourist trail. It is proof that Wyoming’s creative culture runs deeper than most people expect — and that some of the best spirits in the Rocky Mountain West are being made right here on East Second Street.
If you make one stop in downtown Casper, make it this one. You will leave with a bottle under your arm, a new appreciation for American craft distilling, and a very strong desire to come back.
