Colorado is known for its thriving craft alcohol scene, with a particular focus on whiskey. Among the various types of alcohol produced in the state, Colorado whiskey stands out as one of its flagship offerings. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, in particular, has gained international recognition and become synonymous with the state's craft distillery movement.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the diverse range of Colorado's alcoholic beverages. Whiskey, in particular, has captured my attention due to the meticulous craftsmanship and unique flavor profiles that distillers in the state strive to achieve.
Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, founded in Denver, has become a symbol of the state's commitment to the art of whiskey-making. What sets Colorado whiskey apart is its emphasis on using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional production methods. Stranahan's, for example, prides itself on its American single malt whiskey, which is made from 100% malted barley and aged in new American oak barrels. This dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned Stranahan's a loyal following and numerous accolades.
But Stranahan's is not the only distillery producing exceptional whiskey in Colorado. The state is home to a vibrant community of craft distilleries, each with its own unique style and approach. Some distilleries focus on traditional bourbon-style whiskey, while others experiment with different grains and aging techniques.
One such distillery that caught my attention is Laws Whiskey House, located in Denver. Laws Whiskey House takes a farm-to-flask approach, sourcing their grains directly from local Colorado farmers. They even offer tours and tastings where visitors can learn about the distillation process and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of whiskey-making.
Apart from whiskey, Colorado is also known for its craft beer scene. The state boasts over 400 breweries, ranging from small microbreweries to larger, well-established operations. As a brewer myself, I have had the pleasure of visiting some of these breweries and experiencing the creativity and innovation that Colorado brewers bring to their craft.
One brewery that left a lasting impression on me is Avery Brewing Company in Boulder. Known for their bold and flavorful beers, Avery Brewing pushes the boundaries of traditional beer styles and constantly introduces new and exciting brews to their lineup. From hop-forward IPAs to rich and complex barrel-aged stouts, Avery Brewing showcases the diversity and creativity of the Colorado beer scene.
In addition to whiskey and beer, Colorado also has a burgeoning wine industry. While not as well-known as regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux, Colorado's winemakers are making a name for themselves with their dedication to quality and unique grape varietals. The state's high altitude and diverse microclimates provide ideal conditions for growing certain grape varieties, resulting in wines with distinctive flavors and characteristics.
One winery that I had the pleasure of visiting is BookCliff Vineyards in Boulder. They specialize in producing Bordeaux-style wines using grapes grown in Colorado's Grand Valley AVA. The wines I tasted were elegant, with ripe fruit flavors and a sense of terroir that reflected the unique characteristics of the region.
Colorado is known for its craft alcohol scene, with whiskey taking center stage. The state's distilleries, breweries, and wineries offer a wide range of options for alcohol enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. Whether it's sipping on a glass of Colorado whiskey, savoring a pint of craft beer, or indulging in a local wine, the state's offerings are sure to captivate and delight the senses.