High in the mountains of Crested Butte, Colorado, Anthracite Spirits Co. has quickly become a name synonymous with creativity, community, and craftsmanship. Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Katie and Tim, the distillery grew not from a long family lineage of distillers, but from a shared sense of curiosity and passion. After attending a craft conference and coming across used distilling equipment, the couple decided to take a leap into the unknown. What began as an idea fueled by enthusiasm soon transformed into one of Colorado’s most exciting new micro-distilleries.

The name Anthracite pays tribute to both the area’s mining history and the qualities of anthracite coal itself—clean-burning, powerful, and enduring. That symbolism reflects the ethos of the distillery: to craft spirits with purity, intensity, and character, while staying deeply rooted in their mountain community. Distilling takes place in Riverland, just outside Crested Butte, while their downtown tasting lounge on Elk Avenue has become a vibrant gathering place where cocktails, conversation, and creativity collide.

Their first creation, Mountain Dry Gin, embodies their “cocktail-first” philosophy. Crafted to be bright and balanced, it layers fresh lemon and lime zest with delicate botanicals, offering a versatile base for classic and modern drinks. From there, their portfolio has grown to include inventive small-batch releases such as White Crème de Cacao—made with organic cacao nibs, espresso, and vanilla, designed to bring depth to cocktails like Espresso Martinis—along with Red Lady Bitter Red Liqueur, Colorado Apple Brandy, and seasonal gin variations. Each bottling reflects the team’s approach: purposeful, thoughtful, and always with the cocktail experience in mind.

In December 2023, the opening of the Anthracite Tasting Lounge marked an exciting new chapter. This cozy, welcoming space quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With inventive cocktails, small plates, and a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere, it showcases not only their spirits but also the sense of community and connection that inspired the project from the beginning.

What sets Anthracite apart is their ability to blend playfulness with precision. They are serious about quality—handcrafting spirits with care and innovation—but never lose sight of the joy of discovery that brought them into distilling in the first place. Each bottle and each cocktail tells a story: of two people willing to take a chance, of a town that embraced them, and of a craft that continues to surprise and inspire.

From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Crested Butte’s growing culinary scene, Anthracite Spirits Co. is more than a distillery—it’s a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community, distilled in every glass.

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