Spirit Hound Distillers
There are several ways to get to the Rocky Mountain National Park, north of Denver, CO. On this particular day, we decided to go through Lyons, CO, on US Route 36. Lyons is a fairly small town, formed in 1891, with just over 2,000 residents now. Like many small towns, there are unique things to do each season. As we were not planning on stopping before starting our exploration of RMNP, but when we saw the sign "Whiskey from Colorful Colorado" in front of the distillery, we knew we needed to stop and check out this little town distillery.
It is a small building, that one could easily drive by if you were not looking around, or if you did not know it was there, which in some ways makes this a perfect find.
Once parked you start to see the small distillery charm - painted doors, etc.
Once in the front door, you walk into a combination, bar/gift shop/distillery. They seem to have a good sense of humor, as they have a "Free Whiskey Tomorrow" sign on the bar wall.
Some distillers will focus on a single type of spirit, where this distillery, instead, produces not only Whiskey, but Rum, Gin, Vodka, Sambuca, and moonshine.
The distillery is a "craft" size, or as others might say "small", and the tours are free.
So if you get a chance to visit, have a seat at the bar, sample a couple spirits, perhaps something to eat, and take a tour. It is definitely worth the stop.
Head Distiller: Craig Engelhorn
Vital stats: Made with 100% Colorado Malt from a family farm in Alamosa, CO. It is aged a minimum of two years in new full-size white American oak barrels with a full char. No Blending of barrels.
Tasting Notes (provided by Spirit Hound):
Barrel #47, Released September 14, 2017
Color: Light Amber
Nose: Sweet herbal and honey
Palate: Smooth and easy-drinking, with a light body and sweet woody vanilla notes. Finish is mildly spicy, but lingering flavors are smooth and sweet.
Contact Information:
4196 Ute Highway (US Route 36), Lyons, CO 80540
303-823-5696