Distiller Notes
Founded in 2008, the Breckenridge Distillery is proudly one of the World's Highest Distilleries, resting at 9600 feet in elevation in the bustling ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado (USA). Nestled between the peaks of the Continental Divide towering over 14,000 feet, their main supply of water trickles down from the higher slopes, filtering through dolomite, limestone and quartz. This unique source creates mineral-rich water for proofing all of their spirits, creating a clean and brilliant mouth feel along with a smooth finish. Breckenridge Distillery is most widely known for its blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. The Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons winning Best American Blend Whiskey in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 from the World Whiskies Awards, Bourbon of the Year in 2011 at the International Wine & Spirits Competition and 2019 Colorado Distillery of the Year from the New York International Spirits Competition. In 2018, Breckenridge Distillery won the 2018 American Icons of Whisky for Brand Innovator of the Year.
"It's all about quality to me," says Bryan Nolt, Founder and CEO. "I have no interest in spinning some ridiculous story about why you try our spirits or about how hard they were to make. Rather, our reputation is built upon the quality of the product; color, density, nose, mouthfeel, flavor, and finish. If I can't win you over based upon those factors, then the product shouldn't be in our portfolio."
Today, the Breckenridge Distillery's highly awarded spirits line includes Gin, Vodka (including pear, espresso and Chili Chile), Dark Arts (malt-mash blend), Bitters, Port and Sherry Cask Finish, Spiced Rum and Whiskey, among others. With the new expansion of the Distillery's production facility, the company will be able to produce more grain-to-bottle through their 3 stills, including a 42-foot continuous column still. The Distillery also expanded in Dec. 2016 to include a modern-American cuisine restaurant by Chef David Burke and an open-air bar.
"Philosophically, we are different than most. Breckenridge Distillery is my obsession and was born by combining an unbridled passion to create along with maniacal love of Whiskey," says Nolt
Although Bourbon may be produced anywhere in the United States, it is most commonly associated with Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it has been produced since the late 18th century. Made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, the Bourbon Whiskey distillate must be aged in new, charred white oak barrels. Bourbon Whiskeys are bottled at eighty proof (40% abv) or higher and cannot contain any added color or flavor. A versatile spirit that can be sipped neat, with water or on the rocks, it also performs nicely added to cocktails like the Old Fashioned.