Top 10 Experiences to Explore Colorado’s Whiskey Culture

Enjoy whiskey fests, tours, drink specials, and more. Since 2010, when Alan Laws launched Laws Whiskey, Colorado has become a major player in the distillery movement, now featuring over 80 distinct distilleries, leading the way with whiskey at the forefront.

Here are our 10 favorite ways to celebrate whiskey in Colorado during your next Mile High vacation.

01 of 10

Stranahan’s Distillery

Stranahan’s is undoubtedly Colorado’s most renowned whiskey distiller, crafted as the first-ever Colorado-born whiskey. Tours of the distillery are exceptionally popular, particularly on weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended well in advance. The one-hour tour provides insight into the distillery’s history, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses at production, and includes free samples of “Colorado’s most precious gold.” For a more exclusive experience, opt for the VIP Top Shelf Tour, lasting an hour and a half and featuring additional tastings, including samples from the limited-release Snowflake series.

Discover why Malt Advocate magazine honored Stranahan’s Batch 49 as the “artisanal whiskey of the year” in 2010.

02 of 10

Breckenridge Craft Spirit Festival

The annual Breckenridge Craft Spirit Festival is the premier event for whiskey enthusiasts. This year, it is set to take place from October 23-25. The festival features distillery tours, a poker run, a historic saloon walking tour, live music at the historic Gold Pan Saloon, and a “Hangover Brunch” with enticing brunch drink specials at various restaurants in town. However, the highlight is the Still on the Hill, where you can taste numerous handcrafted spirits, vote for your favorite spirit, and take home a complimentary tasting glass.

03 of 10

Fish and Sip

Combine your passion for whiskey with outdoor adventures by joining a guided fly fishing tour, followed by a visit to Vail’s 10th Mountain Whiskey distillery for a whiskey flight experience. Previously, Antlers at Vail offered an exclusive Flights and Flies package, which included half a day of fishing alongside whiskey tastings.

04 of 10

Laws Whiskey House

Do not miss the special Colorado rye crafted by Laws Whiskey. This rye is made with 100 percent Colorado-grown grain, resulting in a distinct taste. If the rye is already sold out (which happens quickly), you can pick up the signature four-grain whiskey either at the Denver distillery or at local liquor stores across the state. Notably, Laws whiskey is predominantly available only in Colorado.

05 of 10

Bachelors Lounge

Indulge in cigars while sipping whiskey by the fire in this unique indoor-outdoor cigar lounge located within Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. The Bachelors Lounge (which is named for the region, rather than any gender) is the sole cigar bar in Vail Valley. Consult the expert mixologists to find the ideal cigar to pair with the Bachelors Bourbon, crafted solely for the lounge by Breckenridge Distillery. For something distinctive, consider a custom-made Turkish hookah with flavored tobacco or a Zero Calorie dessert, which offers a playful take on the Vaportini. This winter, the Ritz-Carlton spa will even introduce a Bachelors Bourbon spa treatment.

06 of 10

Breckenridge Distillery

Visit the world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery, and sample their spiced whiskey, which is especially delightful during winter. This distillery offers free tours and features an outdoor patio with a bar serving signature cocktails. Be sure to try the Urban Bourbon signature cocktail: a unique blend of bourbon, coriander/fennel syrup, orange juice, Luxardo, mint leaves, and garnished with—wait for it—beef jerky.

07 of 10

Whiskey and Wings BBQ Festival in Winter Park

Whiskey and wings are a quintessential pairing, and Winter Park commemorates this every year with its Whiskey and Wings BBQ Festival. Enjoy various types of wings from across the Front Range, complemented by whiskey samples, including some rare selections. Get ready to participate in the “sampling showdown,” where the finest wings, as well as the best-grilled foods, will be honored. Admission is usually free, and the festival takes place in early September, accompanied by live music.

08 of 10

The Robusto Room

At The Robusto Room in Lone Tree, order the standout Fire & Rye cocktail: a mix of Bulleit rye, pear liqueur, cardamaro, served in a smoking mason jar. This elegant lounge is one of only six cigar bars in Colorado and specializes in handcrafted cocktails as well as premium whiskeys. In addition to over 24 bourbons and 10 ryes, they offer three types of Japanese whiskeys and an array of curated spirits. Another recommended drink is the South of Heaven, featuring ​Old Forester Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon tea, and Amara Ciociara.

09 of 10

Whiskey Warm-Up Weekend in Estes Park

The Whiskey Warm Up event takes place in March in Estes Park, focusing on whiskey as its main theme. Scheduled for March 12 at the outdoor Riverside Plaza, guests are invited to savor Colorado whiskey from diverse distilleries while exploring booths selling handmade cigars, enjoying live music, and watching demonstrations on hand-rolling cigars.

10 of 10

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Denver features several excellent whiskey bars, but Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is particularly noteworthy for its extensive selection of over 90 whiskeys alongside a menu of handcrafted cocktails. Notably, the highlight is Whiskey Wednesdays, where all whiskeys are offered at half price, making it an ideal opportunity for enthusiasts to explore new flavors.

Cheers to Colorado

Do you have another way you enjoy celebrating whiskey in Colorado? Feel free to share with us!