By The Thirst Team

Experts across the world decide on which distilled products are worthy of award-winning attention each year, and without fail, Colorado represents well.

It just became easier to find some of those superlative spirits, thanks to a new Colorado Spirits Trail app. The core of the app is a map that allows drinkers to check off distillery visits, sample spirits and cocktails, and earn badges

The Colorado Distillers Guild, which lobbies on behalf of its 50-plus members around the state, launched the app.

Meagan Miller, co-owner of Talnua Distillery in Arvada, is the current president of the Guild.

In order to support the state’s spirits purveyors, Miller said the Distillers Guild launched the app earlier this year to help consumers find tasting rooms, snare great deals and learn about upcoming events.

Miller also hopes that the app will prompt additional distilleries to join the Guild in the upcoming year. Roughly half of Colorado’s spirits makers are currently members.

The Colorado Spirits Trail app replaces a printed version that required indulgers to carry a pamphlet with a map and a list of tasting rooms across the state. Now, the nearest location is just a click away. Additionally, distillery events are listed and there are reviews and cocktail tips from various businesses.

By visiting distilleries and tasting their wares, participants can earn badges and eventually win prizes, such as a stay at the Surf Hotel, an inviting boutique hotel overlooking the Buena Vista Whitewater Park (while in town, curious drinkers can also check out Buena Vista’s Deerhammer Distillery and earn another badge).

The app was paid for in part with a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office.

Perennial spirits competition award winners such as Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs, and Denver’s Laws Whiskey House and Stranahan’s are all part of the Distillers Guild and are found on the app.

The app can also direct spirits fans to lesser-known distilleries in small towns, such as Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt, Storm King Distilling in Montrose, and Marble Distilling Co. in Carbondale.

Other Guild board members include Jason Hevelone from CopperMuse Distillery in Fort Collins, who serves as vice president. Lee Wood from Woods High Mountain Distillery in Salida is treasurer, and Stephen Gould from Golden Moon Distillery in Golden oversees government affairs.

Look for Colorado Spirits Trail in the Apple and Android app stores.

This article appeared in the November-December issue of Thirst Colorado. Click here to read the full magazine online, and pick up our print magazine all over Colorado.