Craft Distilleries You Need to Check Out: Colorado Edition
Craft distilleries have been making a splash in the spirits world, with Colorado standing out as a hotspot for innovative and artisanal productions. The Centennial State, known for its rugged landscapes and adventurous spirit, is home to a growing number of distilleries that are redefining the art of spirit making. Let’s toast to a few Colorado craft distilleries you need to know about, each with its own unique approach to distillation and an unwavering commitment to quality!
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Nestled in the heart of Denver, Stranahan’s is a pioneer of Colorado craft whiskey, offering a pure Rocky Mountain experience in each bottle. Known for their single malt whiskey, they meticulously blend malted barley, Rocky Mountain water, and Colorado’s high-altitude air to create a rich and smooth whiskey that’s garnered a loyal following. A visit to their distillery includes a tour of their operations and a cozy tasting room experience.
Peach Street Distillers
Located in Palisade, Peach Street Distillers is a testament to Colorado’s agricultural bounty. Surrounded by some of the state’s most fertile fruit-growing lands, Peach Street takes full advantage by crafting spirits with local ingredients. Their Peach Brandy and Grappa are standouts, capturing the essence of Colorado peaches, while their Goat Artisan Vodka and Bourbon express the distillery’s commitment to small-batch excellence.
Leopold Bros
Leopold Bros is a family-owned distillery in Denver that has earned accolades for its environmentally sustainable practices and exceptional spirits. Their portfolio includes a wide range of products, from award-winning gins and vodkas to whiskies and absinthe. What sets Leopold Bros apart is their grain-to-bottle approach, carefully overseeing every step of the production process to ensure the highest quality.
Montanya Distillers
Hailing from the mountain town of Crested Butte, Montanya Distillers specializes in rum, an unexpected choice for a landlocked state. However, Montanya’s high-altitude rum, distilled from sugarcane and mountain spring water, is a revelation. Their rums are aged in American oak barrels, imparting depth and complexity, and have received international recognition for their quality.
Mythology Distillery
Based in Denver, Mythology Distillery is a newer player on the scene but has quickly made a name for itself with its creative spirit blends and storytelling approach. Their Best Friend Bourbon, a blend of Colorado and Kentucky bourbons, and the Hell Bear American Whiskey are must-tries for any whiskey enthusiast. Their tasting room offers a modern and inviting space to explore their innovative spirits.
Colorado’s craft distilleries are not just about making spirits; they’re about creating experiences that reflect the state’s adventurous spirit and natural beauty. From grain to glass, these distilleries are a testament to Colorado’s burgeoning craft spirit scene, offering flavors and stories as rich and varied as the landscape itself. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to these distilleries is a journey worth taking.