Boulder Spirits is an artisanal Colorado distillery with a compelling passion for crafting American single malts, bourbon, gin, and more, rooted in place, steeped in tradition, and driven by curiosity. Their foundation rests on the essential pillars of whiskey: barley, yeast, water, oak, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Though Boulder Spirits wears a small-distillery label, it boasts the largest copper pot still in the state, a bold tool for realizing ambitious flavor and depth. They are one of the longest-tenured distillers in Boulder County, holding the distinction of combining Scottish distilling heritage with the character of the Rocky Mountains. Their chief visionary is Alastair Brogan, a Scotsman whose ambition was to frame a whiskey with a uniquely American accent, and that dream became Boulder Spirits. Formerly part of Vapor Distillery, the brand has grown into its own, with a downtown Boulder tasting room and immersive tours.
At Boulder Spirits, American Single Malt isn’t a buzzword; it’s a deliberate identity. Their flagship single malt whiskey is made from Scottish malted barley, distilled in their pot still, and aged for a minimum of three years in freshly charred American oak. The result is described as clean, bright, and round, with citrus notes balancing the oak and malt. Their profile accentuates the distillate’s purity, while their climate and altitude amplify nuance. The brand has also pioneered one of the first Bottled-in-Bond American Single Malts, aged four years and bottled at 100 proof, to showcase the integrity of their maturation in Colorado’s elements. Their limited 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond edition further demonstrates their commitment to maturity, with just six barrels yielding a rare and expressive collectible release.
Their gin program is equally considered. Boulder Spirits’ gin employs 11 organic botanicals, from chamomile and hibiscus to green tea, resulting in a balanced and award-winning spirit. Their Colorado gin won Gold at the 2017 World Gin Awards for Best American Contemporary Gin, cementing their reputation beyond whiskey.
Tasting room and tours bring the sensory philosophy to life. At their Denver/Boulder location, visitors can sample flights, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and see the heart of the distillery: copper stills, mash tuns, barrels in aging, and staff engaging with curiosity. Their “Leave No Trace” mantra means they emphasize local water (Eldorado Springs), sustainable practices, and respect for ingredient integrity.
The whiskey press takes notice. Reviewers praise Boulder Spirits’ malt for its purity and clarity, with tasting notes citing roasted nuts, orchard fruits, sweet malt, pepper, and oak spice, all anchored by a crisp finish. Some reviewers suggest further barrel age would deepen complexity, but overall, the whiskeys stand confidently among American single malts. The American Whiskey Magazine gave their core single malt a score of 9.0, highlighting its harmony, elegance, and heat management.
Boulder Spirits offers not just spirits, but a philosophy: the melding of craft tradition and innovative American distilling in the high-altitude Colorado setting. Whether through their bold still, their rare bonded releases, or botanical gin, every bottle speaks of place, purpose, and pursuit. If you seek whiskey defined by terroir and intention, Boulder Spirits is one to explore.
