There are a lot of names that are pretty quickly recognizable in there on a national level, and a lot more if you are living in Colorado. (Although I haven’t yet found anything on Smokeye Hill. If anyone know them, send me some information.)

There are the big Colorado Names we would expect, Breckenridge and Stranahan’s for example, who have put out excellent products for a long time. I love that Colorado has made a name for itself on the backs of these giants in the industry, and Breck and Stranahan’s put out excellent products in my opinion. (The Diamond Peak continues to be one of my favorite Single Malt American Whiskies.) 
However, what really excites me the most is the brands that are growing quickly in the state and garnering that attention for Colorado. Here in the state, we know all of these distilleries are fantastic. On a national level, we can keep getting attention from all the people that know whiskey. 

A couple of ones I really want to point out are the Branch and Barrel, The Mile High Spirits, and the Talnua. I love the other ones in here that I have tried, and now I know I need to find a couple more that I haven’t yet, but let’s look at a couple I know and love to see the recognition. 

First, I am pointing out Branch and Barrel with their Wheated Bourbon. Earning a double gold for a wheated bourbon (along with Old Elk’s 8 Year Wheated) in a market where wheated bourbons are coveted and extremely popular is an extremely impressive feat. I have often said that find a popular whiskey and I will find you a Colorado equivalent (or sometimes even better) that is readily available. Branch And Barrel are terrific people, with a beautiful tasting room and spirits to match. Plus, while their wheated bourbon is out winning double golds, their distillers are experimenting to find some amazing ingredients you wouldn’t expect to produce a delicious whiskey. I’m talking about a whiskey distilled from peas. Yep. You read that correctly. 

Next, another one that I want to point out is Mile High Spirits. There are two reasons for this one. First, the price point. While the single barrels and bottled in bond releases are usually a little more expensive, there is nothing that comes out of MHS that is unaffordable for most folks, and the flagship Fireside Bourbon is a beautiful pour to enjoy neat or use as a base for cocktails. Mile High Spirits knows that people want a quality product that isn’t over priced, so the Fireside always seems to be at a great price point on the shelves of stores. (Right around $30 for a 750mL). Second, the entire distillery knows that this is a fun industry. Go in and talk to anyone, I have never seen an employee not enjoying themselves and looking like it’s the best place to work. (I’m sure it is taxing, it’s service industry, but it does feel like it’s a great place). On top of that, the stills, fermentation tanks, boilers, everything is named and it’s all fun. They take their spirits seriously, but not themselves. I think that is key to succeeding in any industry.
-By the way, check out the podcast with them, episode 4, to learn about some of their process and the cool things they are doing and have released. 

Finally, I’m sure everyone is aware how much I love Talnua. I want to single them out for a second in this article though solely because of their slogan. Faugh a Ballagh. An Irish battlecry meaning “Clear the Way” couldn’t fit better for Colorado spirits, and especially Talnua. The First Single Pot Still distillery in Colorado, even outside Ireland, is bringing Irish tradition in with American innovation and creating some of the best whiskey I have had. This years (2024) release of the Olde Saint’s Keep is my favorite yet, as of the writing of this article, and I only expect them to continue to push the envelope and create better whiskey every day. Talnua is truly bringing the spotlight to Colorado, and letting the rest of the country and the world know to clear the way, because Colorado is only going to get better.