High-Country Distilleries
There are few things that pair together better than chilly weather and hand-crafted cocktails. Something about sipping on a cocktail apres-ski beside the fire feels like a hug from the inside. While it is known far and wide that Colorado has set the standard in craft beer, the craft distilling industry in the Centennial State is booming! If you would like to try local spirits distilled right here in the high country, you’re in the right place! Here are a few local favorites- give one (or two, or three) a shot on your next visit to the mountains. Enjoy (responsibly, of course), and let us know what you think!
Breckenridge Distillery
Breckenridge, CO
You simply cannot mention Colorado distilleries without mentioning Breckenridge Distillery. Luckily for us, they are right in our backyard! This Breckenridge staple makes a variety of spirits but their specialty is their Breckenridge Bourbon. The flavor is described as having “…pronounced aromas of butterscotch, candied orange, and apple; dry cacao and brown sugar.” You can see why this bourbon is a crowd-pleaser! If you are looking for something a little more out-of-the-box, try the Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish. In a spin on the classic, the Breckenridge Bourbon is finished in their own Colorado Rum barrels to create a unique flavor. While you are in town, you can sample their products at the tasting room on Main Street or at their distillery location on Airport Road.
Tasting Room Location: 137 S Main St., Breckenridge, CO 80424
Distillery Location: 1925 Airport Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Pullman Distillery
Frisco, CO
Another incredible distillery that calls Summit County home is Pullman Distillery. Pullman is new to the scene, established in 2021, but don’t let their age deter you! Pullman Distillery uses ingredients local to the area, including freshwater from Loveland Pass, to craft their Wheated Bourbon Whiskey and Premium Vodka. With an old-west theme, this distillery is located inside of a restored nineteenth-century train car. You can find them on Main Street in our neighboring town of Frisco within the restaurant Ein Prosit.
Location: 313 E Main St, Frisco, CO 80443
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Rising Sun Distillery
Frisco, CO
Also new to the area, Rising Sun Distillery is located in Frisco at the start of Dillon Dam Road. They describe themselves as “Constantly raising the bar, raising another glass, and bringing you something new, bold, unique.” Rising Sun offers several whiskies on their spirit menu including rye, bourbon, and chile whiskey. Their Colorado Chile White Whiskey is an incredibly unique white whiskey made with red and green chiles grown in Pueblo, Colorado. To venture away from the whiskey genre, try out some of their flavored liquors such as Lavender Hibiscus Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, or Colorado Peach Brandy! Swing by and try them out as you make your exit off of I-70!
Location: 1121 Dillon Dam Rd, Frisco, CO 80443
Hours: Daily, 2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Snitching Lady Distillery
Fairplay, CO
A short journey over Hoosier Pass will lead the craft spirit-lover to the Snitching Lady Distillery in Fairplay. Their traditions hail from the Carolina hills, but they have been distilling in Park County for over four years now using only Colorado-grown ingredients. Their specialty, award-winning Button’s Blue Corn Whiskey, is described as buttery with notes of toffee, pecan, and vanilla. In addition to their whiskey selection, Snitching Lady also features several Brandy options such as Appalachian Temptation Grape Brandy, Britton’s Peach Brandy, and Bobena Apple Brandy. At their quaint and charming distillery and tasting room on Front Street, you can try drams or flights of their liquor neat or mixed into one of their hand-crafted specialty cocktails. Our favorite was the Snitch made with clear whiskey, house-made lavender syrup, egg white, lemon juice, orange bitters and rosemary!
Location: 500 Front St, Fairplay, CO 80440
Hours: Monday-Thursday 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Deerhammer Distilling Company
Buena Vista, CO
Heading southward into the Arkansas River Valley, Deerhammer Distilling Company lies in beautiful Buena Vista. In operation since 2010, Deerhammer has perfected its craft. The American Single Malt Whiskey is their starring achievement which Deerhammer describes as a uniquely American product with a complex profile of chocolate and coffee. If you are planning a trip to Buena Vista, Deerhammer offers a tour & tasting for only $10-$15. Drop by and check them out! If you aren’t up for the drive, Deerhammer products can be found at liquor stores in the area including Local Liquors in Silverthorne.
Location: 321 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Saturday 12:00 p.m.-9:oo p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company
Vail, CO
Just a bit further down I-70 you can find 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company. Named after the famed 10th Mountain Division, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company aims to keep tradition and love of the mountains alive. As the company describes, “…the combination of friends, mountains, memories, and spirits, brings people together like no other.” As you might have guessed by their name, 10th Mountain specializes in whiskey. Their Rye Whiskey has won several awards including double gold at the Global Spirits Competition. If you aren’t planning a trip over Vail Pass, you can find their whiskies and spirits at many bars and restaurants right here in Breckenridge!
Tasting Room Location: 227 Bridge St, Vail, CO 81657
Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
