Local distilleries bring home the hardware from global competition

By Jay McKinney

Not only are they distilled at elevation, but five Colorado distilleries have recently been recognized on the global stage as they continue to elevate the state’s status as a hub for quality whiskey. The 2023 World Whiskies Awards presented by Whisky Magazine awarded Breckenridge Distillery, Talnua Distillery, Storm King Distilling Co., Hogback Distillery and 291 Colorado Whiskey for spirits that qualified in various categories.

Breckenridge Distillery saw the most success, with judges awarding the distillery three gold medals. Its 105 High Proof Bourbon Whiskey won for the Best American Blended category, the Two Clans blended whiskey won for Best American Blended Malt. Last but not least, the Collectors Art Series finished in a XO Cognac cask won for the Best American Limited Release category.

“We are incredibly honored to have Breckenridge Distillery recognized for the 9th year running on the global stage for our whiskies and limited-edition releases,” says Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Breckenridge Distillery has a lot in store for the year ahead including a new line of limited-edition malt whiskeys, other great products, and campaigns. We’re excited to take this momentum with us throughout the year.”

Specializing in single pot still whiskey, Talnua Distillery in Arvada was awarded a gold medal in the Best American Pot Still category for its Virgin White Oak Cask. Talnua also took home a silver medal for its Olde Saint’s Keep 2022 and a bronze medal for its Continuum Cask whiskey.

291 Colorado Whiskey is no stranger to the awards stage and won a gold medal in the Best American New Make & Young Spirit category for its White Dog Rye Whiskey. White Dog has been part of the distillery’s lineup since 2011 and is a favorite spirit for master mixologists.

For the Best American Single Cask Single Malt category, Boulder’s Hogback Distillery won a gold medal for its Wallace Collection. Founder and distiller Graeme Wallace hails from Scotland and masterfully utilizes his expertise of traditional Scotch whiskey along with American craft creativity to produce incredible spirits.

Finally, the Side Gig Whiskey produced by Storm King Distilling Co. won a gold medal for the Best American Whiskey category. The Side Gig Whiskey is touted as the distillery’s side project where the distillers experiment with flavors and other variables in the distilling process. Winning this award means the experimentation was successful!

Each of these distilleries has proven that great whiskey doesn’t have to be produced in Kentucky or Tennessee, and they will have a chance to compete for the World’s Best, which will be presented in London on March 30. Regardless of whether any of them win that prestigious honor, Colorado brands continue to improve their games every year.

"It’s been an incredible year for the World Whiskies Awards, with America showcasing a fantastic array of entries,” says Anita Ujszaszi, the awards director. “Our judges certainly had their work cut out for them this year. A big thank you to all our judges who joined us either online at our tastings or for the December tasting in Washington D.C.”