Whiskey and the Old West conjures images of poker games, gold rushes, and herding cattle across the plains. There's no doubt that whiskey is closely tied to the pioneering spirit of Colorado's past, but today, whiskey consumption (and production) take on a more elevated, finer approach.
Let's take a look at where it all started, where it is today, and where the Colorado whiskey industry might be headed in the future.
The Beginnings: Whiskey in Colorado
During the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1850s and 1860s, makeshift saloons and taverns popped up across the territory to cater to the thirsty fortune-seekers. Whiskey was a beverage of choice in these rough-and-tumble establishments, providing solace and warmth to those braving the harsh elements of the Rockies. One might find whiskey at the poker table or around the campfire, but it's not likely that any of it was made by established distillers in the state.
Beer, rather, was the main focus of production in and around the Gold Rush Era of Colorado history. Adolph Coors founded his brewery in 1873, and the Rocky Mountain Brewery opened even earlier in 1859. There were a few distillers on pre-Prohibition tax records as the state headed through the early decades of the 1900s, but the real whiskey rush in Colorado didn't begin until recent times.
On the heels of the craft beer boom, distillers like Stranahan's, Breckenridge, and Leopold Brothers helped initiate what became the first wave of craft whiskey distillation in the state of Colorado.
The Growth: Today's Whiskey Scene
Whiskey in Colorado has never been like it is today. From local distilleries to the finest whiskey-tasting rooms in Denver, the quality and diversity of locally distilled spirits have never been better. This movement saw the birth of numerous distilleries, each with its unique approach to the craft.
One of the factors that sets Colorado whiskey apart is the unique terroir of the region. The pure Rocky Mountain water, the high-altitude climate, and the distinct grains grown in the state all contribute to the flavor profiles of Colorado whiskeys. These whiskeys often exhibit a well-balanced combination of sweetness and spice, making them highly sought after by connoisseurs.
Distillers like Ironton Distillery in Denver present the best of farm-to-flask spirits, while Axe and Oak Distillery in Colorado Springs creates beautifully blended whiskeys that are designed for sharing.
Looking Ahead at Whiskey in Colorado
Today, Colorado's whiskey industry continues to flourish, with an ever-expanding list of distilleries and a growing reputation for excellence. The state's whiskey culture is marked by innovation and a willingness to push boundaries, whether through unique aging processes, experimental mash bills, or collaborations with local brewers and farmers.
Here at Elevation Reps, we're proud to be a part of this great community, providing some of the top glassware in the industry that can help deliver the ideal expressions of these craft spirits and the cocktails that contain them.
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