Craft distillers put Colorado on the spirits map
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Photo courtesy of Spirit Hound
Colorado's small-batch distilleries are earning national and international acclaim — racking up major awards and putting the state on the spirits map.
Why it matters: The state's well-known for its beer reputation, but craft spirits are often overlooked, until now.
State of play: Earlier this year, Taluna Distillery in Arvada's bourbon cask and stave series was named the best U.S. whiskey in the American Distilling Institute's international competition.
- Stranahans in Denver, Pullman in Frisco, Rocker Spirits in Littleton and Salida distilleries all placed in the same competition.
- Six distillers won Whisky Magazine Awards this year and a handful took home medals in the International Whisky Competition.
- Loveland's Root Shoot Whiskey won accolades as the best U.S. single malt whiskey in an international competition.
What they're saying: "There is something going on here. We are punching above our weight," said Craig Engelhorn, the head distiller at Spirit Hound in Lyons, one of the state's most-awarded distilleries.
Zoom in: What makes Colorado whisky stand out is a number of factors, Engelhorn says. The altitude changes the temperature in the stills and the arid conditions affect evaporation rates. Lastly, the locally sourced malted grain adds unique character.
- "The aging environment here in Colorado is oddly, weirdly good," Engelhorn said at a recent tasting event.
💭 My thought bubble: If you want to taste the evolution of Colorado's craft distilleries, try Spirit Hound's American Single Malt Whisky, barrel No. 446. The threads of brown sugar and caramel are smooth and it finishes with a hint of chocolate and dark fruit.