Summoning the Spirts of Boulder Distilleries

The lasting impressions of Boulder Spirits, Hogback Distillery and DEKi Spirits

By Christopher C. Wuensch

Thirsty denizens of Boulder County are tipping back their glasses and discovering a variety of new styles ensconced in old-world flavor, ingredients and techniques.

All with a twist of American ingenuity.

Local distilleries began springing up in the greater Boulder area around 25 years ago as an offshoot of the craft beer movement. In the last 12 years, however, the market for new takes on whiskey, bourbon and more has rapidly gained in popularity.

“It’s very much a minority born out of the craft brew era of the last 40 years,” said Ryan Negley, a Blender and Marketer with Boulder Spirits at Vapor Distillery. “The beer movement helped push it forward.”

Boulder Spirits, owner of the state’s largest copper pot still, is among those pioneers as the area’s longest-tenured distillery at 17 years and counting.

The distillery located at 5311 Western Ave. in Boulder is the home to Alastair Brogan, who followed his dream from Scotland to Colorado, partnering into an existing gin distillery.

In the years since, Brogan’s vision has become instrumental in creating the American Single Malt Whiskey category.

American single malts are crafted from malted barley, along with yeast, water and oak. It’s mashed, distilled and aged to a minimum of 80 proof in oak barrels.

Brogan brings in the best grains that Colorado and European farmers have to offer, which he complements with crisp Eldorado Springs water. All of which is aged for an average of four to seven years strictly in American oak barrels.

The result is a unique Single Malt Whiskey flavor that’s big on taste that Americans—who are traditionally used to corn-based blends—are just now discovering, said Negley.

In addition to nine- and 10-year-old releases arriving soon, you’ll also find Boulder Spirits’ 2024 Special Releases, including a limited edition American Single Malt and a Cast Bourbon, available this autumn.

If you visit the Boulder Spirits taproom for a tour or tasting, it’s best to arrive ready to receive an education.

“Expect to come and learn something,” said Negley, adding that Boulder Spirits are big advocates for education and a loud voice for the American Single Malt style.

Visit them at boulderspirits.com to see their full menu of whiskey, gin and vodka.

Hogback Distillery

There’s a continuity and camaraderie that exists among distillers in the Boulder area. Among those who also hone their craft at Vapor Distillery is Graeme Wallace and Hogback Distillery.

Wallace also brought his dream of distilling a Scotch-style whiskey in the United States to Boulder in 2016 from his home in Scotland. Inspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Wallace named his distillery after the Dakota Hogback Ridge.

Hogback specializes in whiskey only, with close to 20 styles to choose from, including an Eclipse Rum Cask Finished Rye and a Peat Smoked Whiskey.

Wallace uses malted barley that’s been peated in Scotland, along with the same Eldorado Spring water here in Colorado, to create a fruity and medium Scottish malt that’s soft and tastes amazing.

Hogback has adopted the Scottish style and re-uses its oak barrels to age its Wallace Collection American Single Malt whiskey and others.

Get into the action yourself at Hogback and craft your own spirits with their Midnight Cask Club.

Ready to give them a try? Visit the Hogback Distillery Store and Tasting room at 857 Moraine Avenue in Estes Park and find them online at hogbackdistillery.com. 

DEKi Spirits

Precision meets artistry with DEKi Spirits.

This family-owned distillery located in Old Town Lafayette offers a variety of 10 spirits, each one more of an exhilarating expression of ingredients, taste and creativity than the next.

Here you’ll find a little something for everyone, including Bourbon Whisky, Spiced Rum and Lavender Gin, as well as Raspberry and Blackberry vodkas, all ranging from 80 to 90 proof. Lest we forget to mention their Amaretto, Cinnamon, Coffee and Orange Liqueurs.

Their signature artistry is on full display when selecting from 18 cocktails—such as a DEKi Sour, Picante Carino and a Spiked S’mores—that taste as brilliant as they look.

DEKi encourages inquisitive minds to think of their craft spirits as pieces of art and create their own tastes and experiences.

Visit the DEKi taproom at 802 S. Public Road from 5pm to 9pm on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 4pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturdays. Tours are available at 3pm on Saturdays by appointment only. Make sure to give them a look at dekispirits.com.