Industry insiders share opinions on their favorite libations

Looking for a gift for the spirits fans in your life? Here are some expert recommendations.

Olde Saint’s Keep Single Pot Still American Whiskey

Talnua Distillery

I’ve always appreciated the passion that Meagan and Patrick have for their distillery and how you can tell they truly love what they do. Their various styles of whiskey are all phenomenal and I’ve yet to find one I’d rate lower than a 9/10. Great people, great distillery. Can’t ask for a better combination in my book.

Warren Wood, co-owner, Dirty Dill

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bear Creek Distillery

I first met the team at Bear Creek Distillery when they were getting started. It’s a crew full of passionate people that are so chill and down to earth that you can’t help but be excited for anything they put out. In my opinion their Straight Bourbon whiskey sets the bar for what craft whiskey should be. It’s so well balanced between wood, alcohol and grain that it’s an everyday sipper for me.

Rob Masters, head distiller and partner, The Family Jones

Apertivo

Leopold Brothers

Whenever I am not drinking rum, I have found myself drawn to Apertivo. A rocks glass with Apertivo and soda on a summer night, or a straight sipper in the winter. Sometimes I combine two styles for the right balance. So it will be no surprise to learn that I am a fan of Leopold Brothers Apertivo. It is made the right way, like everything Todd and his crew make. And it is nice to drink this style of spirit from closer to home than Italy.

Karen Hoskin, founder and owner, Montanya Distillers

Straight Malt Whisky

Spirit Hound Distillers

Recently, I acquired a bottle of Spirit Hound Distillers Straight Malt Whiskey, 90 Proof, three years aged, single barrel #239. I feel it is the best whiskey made from the adventurous distillery in Lyons. Made from all-Colorado malted barley, the color is a golden caramel and the nose is sweet and earthy. A buttery vanilla flavor with a touch of smoke from their peat-smoked malt make this a wonderful sipper. Aged in American oak barrels provides a smooth and delicious finish.

Jake Weien, co-owner, 1350 Distilling

Spiced Rum

Balmer Peak Distillery

I’ve been getting into the spiced rum from Balmer Peak Distillery. Distiller Austin Adamson crafted an exciting spiced rum with an emphasis on bold and warm flavors. I particularly like the szechuan peppercorns, which add pep and zing to a spirit that blows tiki cocktails out of the trans-Pacific park.

Erik Dever, head distiller, Denver Distillery

Signature Straight Bourbon

Leopold Bros.

One of my favorite spirit brands here in Colorado is Leopold Bros. They also take their homemade liqueurs seriously - producing apertivo, absinthe verte, amaro. I think their signature straight bourbon is one of the best Colorado bourbons out there.

Bob Wiley, co-owner, Deviation Distilling

Rye Vodka

Bear Creek Distillery

Whiskey is my drink of choice, but on occasion I'll drink vodka. Recently I've been really enjoying Bear Creek Distillery's Rye Vodka. It has a nice flavor and mouthfeel, perfect for summer and early fall evenings.

Al Laws, founder, Laws Whiskey House

Imo Kasutori Shochu

Denver Distillery

My favorite Colorado made liquor right now has to be Denver Distillery's "Imo Kasutori Shochu." I love when a distillery can take globally inspired flavors and traditions which inspire me, and bring it to a city or community that isn't as familiar with the product. Denver Distillery does awesome stuff across the board, but this is the first time they've put out a product that is this unique. The attention to detail within their processes and methods, like the fact that they are taking the leftover rice waste from Colorado Sake Company and then adding their sweet potato mash, really exemplifies the care and thought put into creating something that not only tastes delicious, but also honors the source material.

Austin Adamson, Head Distiller, Ballmer Peak Distillery

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.