Supporting Local: Why Buying Colorado Spirits Matters

Walk into Boone’s Wine & Spirits, and you’ll notice something we’re proud of—Colorado-made bottles everywhere. From the smoothest bourbons to crisp vodkas and botanical gins, the local spirit scene in our state has absolutely exploded. But this isn’t just about state pride or keeping a few extra dollars in the community. Supporting Colorado distilleries actually makes a big impact—for your taste buds, your neighbors, and the entire state’s economy.

When you buy a Colorado spirit, you’re supporting real people, not faceless corporations. These are the folks who live down the road, coach Little League, and spend years perfecting their craft. They’re not chasing mass production; they’re chasing quality. Every bottle of whiskey from a Colorado distillery represents long days of trial and error, locally sourced ingredients, and a serious passion for flavor. You’re not just drinking something good—you’re helping fuel a dream.

Colorado has quietly become one of the top craft distilling states in the country. Our high-altitude climate, clean water, and innovative mindset make for a unique edge in production. Cooler, drier air allows for smoother aging in oak barrels, and the local grains—from San Luis Valley rye to Rocky Mountain corn—give Colorado-made spirits a signature character you can’t replicate anywhere else. That’s part of the reason big-name brands have started paying attention to what’s happening here.

Take whiskey, for example. Distilleries like Laws Whiskey House, Stranahan’s, and Breckenridge Distillery have put Colorado on the map, winning awards and proving that you don’t need to be from Kentucky to make a world-class bourbon. These brands are now household names not just because of their quality, but because they tell a story of place—our place.

And it’s not just whiskey. Our gin scene is booming too. Local producers like Leopold Bros. and Dry Land Distillers craft gins with botanicals inspired by Colorado’s landscape—juniper, sage, lavender, and even spruce tips. Each sip feels like a little walk through the Rockies. For vodka lovers, local favorites like Woody Creek and Syntax Spirits are redefining what “smooth” really means by distilling from fresh Colorado potatoes and grain.

Buying local doesn’t just help distillers—it helps the entire community. Those businesses hire local workers, use Colorado agriculture, and reinvest back into nearby farms and towns. It’s an ecosystem that keeps our dollars close to home and creates ripple effects that reach far beyond the distillery floor. Supporting local means supporting sustainability—shorter supply chains, lower carbon footprints, and ingredients that don’t have to travel halfway around the world before landing in your glass.

There’s also a big payoff for you as the drinker. Local distilleries are constantly experimenting, trying new cask finishes, infusions, and small-batch runs that you’ll never find in a national brand. They take risks, and that means flavor you can’t get anywhere else. When you explore the local section at Boone’s, you’re tasting innovation in real time.

So next time you’re browsing the shelves, look for that “Made in Colorado” distinction! Try a whiskey finished in Cabernet barrels, a gin distilled with mountain botanicals, or a vodka made from local potatoes. If you’re not sure where to start, our team at Boone’s loves guiding customers toward standout bottles from our favorite local partners.

Buying local spirits isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s an investment in the future of Colorado’s craft industry. It keeps creativity alive, it keeps business local, and it keeps our glasses filled with something truly homegrown.

Here’s to Colorado—where the mountain air is crisp, the people are passionate, and the spirits taste like home.