Breckenridge DISTILLERY

I was pretty excited when the invitation popped up on my email. The Breckenridge Distillery had put a call out that a Bottling Party was going down. It was a time to crank up the music, crack a beer and bottle the booze. It was the official call to bottle and I couldn’t resist checking out the experience! They were bottling up bourbon, vodka and a brandspanking new (but 3 month aged) dark spiced rum. The deal was pretty sweet, they were grabbing beer and dinner for all of us “volunteers” and after 4 hours of labor you walked away with a bottle of your choice, some new friends and a damn good time.

This was not toil, this was fun! Arriving at the Breckenridge Distillery the camaraderie amongst the group flowed like the whiskey itself. A few shots, I mean tastings we were well lubed and ready learn about the intricacies of bottling and labeling. Jordan Via, the Distilleries Master Distiller gave us an informative tour of the facility noting that they could have about 240 barrels in their facility but needed more room for their casks and are looking to expand. He then gave specific instruction on the machinery. Pallets of empty bottles were stacked 6 boxes high, the objective, they needed to be filled.

There was the station to remove the bottles from their cases; the bottle washing station, which if you made a mistake, well you got a face full of alcohol, tasty if you aimed properly but that usually was not the case; the filling station, the corking station and the labeling and re-boxing station. Love their labels, they have these cute little “lift tickets” that are attached to the bottles!

Just about everyone took a turn at each area. It was slightly amusing re-stacking the cases as there was a precise order to making the pallets fit perfectly. Rounds of shots were provided and the music was cranking. Some terrific bluegrass, very appropriate for the occasion. Everyone was happy and having one heck of a time.

I was invited to sneak away as Jordan wanted to show us the new batch of whiskey fresh out of the Copper distiller - 140 proof - hoo haa! The Breckenridge Distillery is billed as the world’s highest distillery and in its short time being open has amassed some incredible awards and industry kudos. This past July their Breckenridge Bourbon was awarded a Gold Medal in the International Wine and Spirits Competition!!!!! Held in the UK, only three gold medals were awarded this past year. A Silver Medal was taken home at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and accolades galore from industry leaders have been noted by the distillery. Heading to Breck? You should check them out:

1925 Airport Rd., Breckenridge, CO 80424 or The Tasting Room Located in the heart of Breckenridge on Main Street, across from the Breck Visitor’s Center and underneath Relish Restaurant.

(970) 547-WSKY (9759) | breckenridgedistillery.com