THE ART OF DISTILLING Jesse Crock helps State 38 honor Colorado

By Kyle Kirves

Jesse Crock is kind of the artist in residence at State 38 Distilling in Golden. “The paintings tell a story,” Crock says of his work for State 38. “Not only about the partnership between the distillery and myself, but about this whiskey and this release and this event and how it has all come about.”

Crock is referring to his work that’s both on the walls and the bottles he’s created for the craft spirits producer. Even more specifically, he is highlighting the collaboration he’s had with State 38 over the past three years, creating custom imagery that adorns their special releases tied to the anniversary of Colorado’s statehood (Aug. 1 is Colorado Day). The joint venture has become something of a local tradition, one that will continue this year.

Don Hammond, State 38’s owner, managing partner, spokesperson, tour guide and – fair to say – art patron equally lauds the collab. He says they continue to refine everything at the distillery, branding included, and that they are excited to unveil this year’s version.

“We learn in distilling by doing, and that carries into the packaging as well,” Hammond says. “The first year we had a square label that, while a great piece of art, didn’t render well onto the bottle. So we’re now doing landscapes that allow us to address our regulatory requirements, but also really show off the majesty of Jesse’s work.”

The 2022 version featured a half-dome mountain, part of the landscape that is all around us in Colorado. “What I’m drawn to as an artist and painter is strong and vibrant color and contrast,” Crock says. “I try to capture the Colorado landscape and what that usually translates into is high mountain peaks, Colorado fourteeners, and also aspens.

“And nothing beats the Colorado sky and sunset, and so that’s definitely something that often finds its way into the work.” It’s easy to see, then, how “inspired” and “spirits” can share the same root word.

For 2023, Crock and State 38 are looking to perhaps sublimate the mountain landscape – ironically, moving the Front Range back a bit – and instead focus on the sunset elements and emphasize those colors more. “It’s still going to be very vibrant and very colorful and make for a really dynamic label and art piece,” Crock says.

His relationship with State 38 goes back nearly 10 years, predating Hammond. “So I heard about this new distillery opening up and my wife and I decided to come,” he says. “We met Sean (State 38 co-owner and founder Sean Smiley) and we’ve been coming back ever since. State 38 has hosted art shows of mine. I’ve done release art work for them. They even asked me to paint the pot still.”

Over the years, Crock has become a mainstay in the State 38 community and both he and Hammond consider it a very personal relationship that just happens to create some mutually appreciated synergy. ”We get feedback from our customers that they think the whole collaboration is just fantastic,” Hammond says. “They can come in and not only see the art on the bottle, they can see it on the wall. We can point to the art hanging there and say, ‘There’s the original article!’ They love the artwork and it’s a very unique looking bottle.”

The bottle truly jumps off the shelf in terms of visual impact –“and it has become something of a collector’s item,” he says. “It’s just a cool project!”

Collectors will want to note that lithographs of Crock’s label art will be available around release time, as well as wearable versions for the t-shirt crowd.

Crock – who, superhero-like, has a secret identity and by day is an elementary school art teacher – says that, as an artist, he feels very fortunate to have the opportunities he has in Colorado generally, and at State 38 specifically. “I feel blessed to have this artistic career that has blossomed into something that is commercially viable and appreciated. Not a lot of teachers have the time or opportunity to do their own work.”

Industry pundits in the “spiritual world” will often toss around chestnuts and mottos about the “art of distilling.” But at State 38, they have a commitment to create great whiskies, agave-based spirits, and more. When combined with Crock’s partnership, that phrase is truly manifest in all they do. It’s the rare combination where what’s on the bottle is just as captivating as what’s in it, and we hope the tradition continues well into the future.

“Live Adventurously, Drink Authentically” at State 38 Distilling, 400 Corporate Circle, in Golden. State38.com

Find Jesse Crock’s vivid and vibrant work that captures the nature of Colorado’s landscapes and residents at jessecrockart.com.

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.