Colorado’s craft beer scene has earned a reputation as one of the best in the U.S., but USA Today is making the case that the local distillery scene should have notoriety as well.
Craft spirits makers landed on multiple lists in the publication’s recurring series, USA Today 10Best, in which experts nominate noteworthy businesses by category before the public votes on winners.
Readers rated Denver’s Deviation Distilling as one of the country’s best craft gin makers (No. 7) and as one of the best spirits tasting rooms (No. 9). Breckenridge Distillery – which, at 9,600 feet in elevation, is “ known as the highest distillery in the country,” USA Today said – joined the latter list, coming in as the No. 5 best spirits tasting room in the U.S.
“Here, in the elevated surroundings, you can enjoy complimentary sample tastings of any two of their foundational spirits, like Espresso Vodka or Spiced Rum,” the pub wrote of Breckenridge Distillery, “or you can opt for their private guided flight tastings (reservations required), which range from all vodka to cask-finished explorations, or even chocolate and spirits flights.”
Drinkers might also want to try the whiskey there, which landed the No. 5 spot on the list of best whiskeys in the country among powerhouse states like Kentucky and Indiana. Brandy lovers shouldn’t sleep on 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits in Vail, which landed No. 3 on the list of best craft brandy distilleries in the U.S.
When it comes to Deviation Distilling’s setting, USA Today proved charmed by the historic property in LoDo.
“What used to be an 1800s firehouse is now a lively patio, connected by two garage doors to an indoor bar area and intimate lounge,” staff wrote. Pair the ambiance with one of several unique gins and you can’t lose.
USA Today recommended the Mountain Herb made with foraged Rocky Mountain botanicals, the Spice Trade featuring Szechuan peppercorns and Thai basil, and the Citrus Rosé made from malted barley mash.
Finally, DEKI Distillery in Lafayette won over readers for its specialty spirits, including “coffee, amaretto, orange and 2nd Shot cinnamon liqueurs,” USA Today. Readers voted it No. 10 among the nation’s best specialty liquor makers and the No. 10 best distillery tour.
“They offer good value tours of the distillery at their Old Town Lafayette location on Saturdays that take an hour and are limited to just eight people,” said USA Today. “You’ll get to see the distillery, learn about the crafting process, and then get a taster of five spirits and three liqueurs after the tour.”
