Whether we are talking about our food, our fun, or our drinks, we have very particular tastes here in Boulder. We hold our indulgences to the highest standard, and the end result is the captivating local culture that is very uniquely ours. There’s no question that our local breweries have earned their place among the top brands in the craft beer movement that is sweeping our nation, and while distilleries in Boulder have made exactly the same impact on their own niche, they seem to have taken a much quieter approach.
If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you’re surely familiar with the incredible small-batch spirits that come out of the distilleries in Boulder. If you’re not familiar, there’s no better way to become acquainted with the unrivaled tastes of our locally-produced brands than to go straight to the distillers themselves.
The very first distillery that opened in Boulder since prohibition was Boulder Distillery. While they are currently in the process of changing locations, this one should be at the top of your list. For years, their flagship spirits, 303 Vodka and 303 Whiskey, have been served up by lively bartenders in a bar with a fun Caribbean vibe. For update on their moving process, be sure to stay tuned in to their website.
You’ll always want to sample the flavors coming out of J & L Distillery. The list of awards that J & L has won for its spirits is extensive. There are too many to name, but if you’re interested, check it out on the company’s product page. The tasting room at J & L Distillery is a popular hot spot where you’ll find a menu with a variety of signature cocktails mixed from their SNO Vodka, FYR Liqueur, and SNO Gin, as well as the classic favorites (made with gin or vodka, of course).
Also in that same vicinity is Vapor Distillery, formerly known as Roundhouse Spirits. Their reputation for being the “Craft Gin Specialists” was earned with the release of their New Western Style and micro-distilled Rhok Gin. This was the first spirit ever produced by Vapor Distillery, and it’s what put them on the map. So, be sure to stop by and ask for a taste.
You’ll also find a few other very interesting craft spirits hailing from Vapor Distillery, including Ginskey Barrel-Aged Gin, Pruf Vodka, Pumpkin King, and Arrosta Coffee. If those names aren’t enough to entice you, check out the process by which these delicious libations are made or the countless awards they have won. You just can’t say enough about the painstaking process of hands-on craft distilling. The difference in taste and quality is immediately obvious.
Speaking of tasting a difference, don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone a little bit when you’re sampling Boulder’s local spirits. Be sure to stop by Redstone Meadery, and give mead a try. Mead is similar in body to most red or white wines, but is produced from a combination of water and fermented honey. Redstone is also great about mixing it up with various flavors like vanilla bean, tart cherry, and mountain currant, so there’s bound to be a different selection every time you stop by.
The selection over at Suerte Tequila is no less impressive, and just like many of our other Boulder-based distilleries, they’ve got the awards to show for it. Suerte does not have a tasting room open to the public, but rest assured that you’ll enjoy every drop of this traditional Mexican spirit in whatever setting you choose. Grab a bottle of their Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, or EXTRA Anejo at various outlets in Boulder, including Boulder Wine Merchant and Cured. You can also sample Suerte’s flavors at most of your favorite local bars and restaurants.
These distilleries aren’t just the best of Boulder or the best of Colorado. Our local distilleries are some of the best in the nation, so don’t pass on the opportunity to tour the facilities and lounge with friends in one of these super relaxed on-site tasting rooms. You’ll taste some of the finest hand-crafted spirits you’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping, and it will definitely be an experience to remember.