Thirst Colorado -- November-December, 2022

SERVING UP THE COLORADO EXPERIENCE

Vol. 8, No. 1 November-December 2022

REALLY NEAT

A DEEP DIVE ON COLORADO DISTILLERIES

GROWING STRONGER

BOURBON WOMEN TOAST THE FUTURE

HOLLY & JOLLY

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Enjoy the spirited season It’s that time of year when it’s easy to create fantastic memories with friends and family. With more than 100,000 square miles of land, Colorado has so many locations to indulge, engage, enjoy, and generally jump off that ship called Boredom. The holidays and the transition to winter move our sense of purpose away from sandals and shorts and on to cozy scenes following a day of snowy fun. This issue of Thirst will help provide that roadmap.

During the holidays, many Coloradans seek out spirits to share with friends and family. Our writers have wandered the state many times over the past few years to experience and meet the craft distillers who are putting their heart and soul into products that put a smile on the faces of newbies and connoisseurs alike.

One doesn’t have to travel far to find some of the world’s great whiskeys, gins, vodkas and liqueurs. Our creative distillers have ginned up a reputation for winning top awards in worldwide competitions with a variety of products. With this issue, we’ve made it easy for folks to discover these brands, regardless of where their travels take them.

In the past, we’ve featured a few people who have stopped at every brewery in the state, but we have yet to hear from anyone who has hit every distillery. So, we’ve highlighted locations all over the state that offer incredible spirits of all kinds. And if the whiskey doesn’t get you, the cocktails will. As readers dig a bit deeper in this issue, they will find recipes and other ideas that will please the palates of cocktail lovers. And for those who believe that drinking bourbon is a man’s game, think and drink again with the Bourbon Women, who are enjoying the scene like no others.

From downtown Grand Junction to downtown Denver, there are holiday event ideas inside that will draw all ages into the spirit of the season. So, as the quest to make grand memories unfolds, remember to bring something positive to the people who surround you this holiday season.

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com Sales Tod Cavey Rebel Hunter Christine Werner Claire Carter Design & Layout Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull President & Founder Emeritus Wilbur E. Flachman Digital & Marketing Manager Steve Graham Contributors Kristian DePue, Kristen Kuchar, Jay McKinney Intern Melissa Voss For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com Proud member of the Colorado Brewers Guild Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range.

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Enjoy!

Joe Ross Associate Publisher and Editor

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

Thirst Colorado is published six times a year by The Publishing House, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. © The Publishing House, 2022. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A. Except where noted, the content of Thirst Colorado is the property of the magazine and should only be reprinted with permission. Thirst Colorado is not responsible for false or misleading claims made in advertising or editorial materials published herein. Thirst Colorado Magazine is distributed in part by DJM Distribution, Inc., and Community Racks Distribution, LLC.

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CONTRIBUTORS KRISTIAN DEPUE Born and raised in northern Indiana, DePue spent the last four years working as a contributing writer for various publications throughout Colorado. In addition to writing, he enjoys acting, watching films, and listening to both music and stand-up comedy. He loves summer and fall, and Halloween is his favorite holiday. As a Colorado Springs resident, he’s thrilled by the thriving artisan culture throughout the Pikes Peak Region. When not storytelling, he can often be found in a speakeasy, distillery or craft cocktail lounge. And he never gets tired of the unique view when the sunlight shines on Pikes Peak and the Front Range every day.

Photo by Kaitlyn Huff

 MELISSA VOSS Voss is a South Dakota native who recently moved to Colorado to find her next adventure. She is currently a student at the University of Colorado Denver, following her passion for literature and writing in hopes of going into higher education. In her free time, she’s hiking with her dog, writing poetry with her cat on her lap, or adding to her growing collection of Colorado-based coffee and brews.



KRISTEN KUCHAR

Kuchar has written about travel and the beverage industry for 15 years in a variety of national and local publications. For Thirst, she covers wine, cider, beer and other beverages. She has contributed to VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, All About Beer, DRAFT, and dozens more. Currently, she is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and she continues to pursue further wine and beverage education.

JAY MCKINNEY



McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up south of Denver in Sedalia. In 2020, he graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications and shortly after, he began contributing to Thirst Colorado. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

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THIRST COLORADO | November-December 2022 INTERSECTIONS

EVENTS 23 WINTER GUIDE

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Music, art, performances and festivals await the willing

18 Holiday Haps

From performing arts to street parades, there is no shortage of holiday fun

26 The Colorado Band

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The “Last Waltz - Revisited” brings together great local musicians

34 Lumen8 Rooftop Social

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13

Colorado Springs restaurant offers ambiance, eclectic menu and great drinks

36 Distillers’ Favorites

What kind of spirits are the experts drinking?

Find out inside.

40 Prime Pairings

We have a party-pleasing burger recipe and side dish – and the drinks to match

On the cover: The Breckenridge Distillery is a great place to wrap up a day on the slopes.

Photo by Liam Duran

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Brewery, Distillery, Winery, Cidery and Meadery Guide

Find great craft beverages wherever you end up in Colorado

ADVENTURES

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Bourbon Women

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Ten years in the making

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Distillery at every stop

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Tasty Alternatives

Once thought of as a man’s drink, bourbon is becoming more popular with women

Colorado is huge, but there’s always a good cocktail awaiting wherever you land

Bear Creek anniversary is culmination of good friends and drive to make good booze

Sipping less-common spirits could open a door to enjoyment

CRAF TED IN COLORADO

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“WHISK Y OF THE YE AR”

Photo: Chris Joyce

Bourbon Women launched in Kentucky, and now has chapters around the country, including a Colorado group led by Nancy Roberts.

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Photo: Chris Joyce

A WOMAN’S DRINK

Meet the Bourbon Women who are leading the charge to diversify the scene

By Jay McKinney

T

hrow out the pre-conceived notion that women only want to drink Cosmopolitans and Lemon Drops. While the spirits industry may be slow to recognize it, the ladies will reach for a bottle of bourbon just as fast as the men who are the target of most marketing efforts.

Bourbon Women is a nationwide organization that aims to celebrate women’s love of bourbon, and Colorado now has its own branch. Nancy Roberts has stepped up to lead the Colorado group, while Peggy Noe Stevens heads the national group.

A 2020 study of social media photography showed women are underrepresented, according to OurWhisky, an organization that supports women and promotes diversity in the bourbon world.

The disparity between men and women was staggering with 3,896 images featuring men and a mere 1,707 including women. It may be an increase from the advertising half a century ago, but the times are changing and women are slowly immersing themselves into the spirits industry as producers, thought-leaders and, most of all, consumers.

Keep reading to learn about Roberts and Stevens and their mission to empower more women in the bourbon scene.

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PEGGY NOE STEVENS

NANCY ROBERTS

Bourbon Women was founded by Master Bourbon Taster Peggy Noe Stevens in 2011.

Stevens has been immersed in the hospitality industry for years, working for hotels straight out of college, where she learned extensively about whiskey and wine. She eventually landed a job working for the BrownForman Corporation (the producers of Jack Photo: Kelly Dillman Daniels, Woodford Reserve and others) and became a Master Bourbon Taster during her 17-year stint with the whiskey powerhouse.

Throughout her career in marketing, Stevens says she knew there were plenty of women interested in bourbon, but the industry was slow to recognize it. Bourbon continued to be seen as a man’s drink and the industry focused on predominately white males as their target audience.

‘‘

Bourbon is the foundation that psychographic of women.

‘‘

brought us together but it’s a

After starting her own company in 2008, Stevens wanted to test the waters in her native Kentucky to see how receptive women would be to a bourbon membership or club of some sort. The result was extremely positive and the news of the Bourbon Women spread, with other states soon inquiring about starting their own branches. While the love of bourbon is the catalyst to bring these women together, Stevens believes it’s their shared interests in other areas that make the group so strong.

“Bourbon is the foundation that brought us together but it’s a psychographic of women,” Stevens says. “These women love camaraderie, food, travel and they all have a sense of soft adventure.”

While Stevens hails from the mecca of Bourbon, she praises Colorado for its craft distilling scene.

“In a word, what I think about Colorado’s distilling industry is ‘amazing,’” Stevens says. “I have really been taken aback by the number of distilleries that have launched throughout the entire state. I think anytime someone can go to a particular state and taste the regionality and the personality of those brands, it’s really interesting to me.”

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It’s no secret that the initial COVID-19 lockdowns had people flocking to the liquor store to make sure they were stocked on the essentials.

Nancy Roberts, a Colorado native who lives in Broomfield, didn’t just consume booze out of lockdown boredom. She became an aspiring bourbon aficionado, found out about the Bourbon Women organization and reached out to see how she could join.

“In 2020 I contacted them to ask if they had a branch here and they said no, but would you like to start one?” Roberts says. “I said sure, because it was the middle of COVID and what else do we do but start weird projects.”

This December the Colorado branch will celebrate its official oneyear anniversary, and it has flourished under Roberts’ leadership. All of the Bourbon Women branch leaders do it voluntarily out of love for the spirit and the camaraderie found within the group.

“The whole premise of the organization is that we’re non-profit and we’re raising money to help promote women in the industry,” Roberts says. Whenever possible, each branch works closely with local craft distillers to promote the regional flavor as well. In Colorado, Roberts first coordinated events with Old Elk Distillery, Distillery 291 and Breckenridge Distillery. The three distilleries all had women employees and were extremely helpful in promoting the new Bourbon Women branch and spreading the word.

There’s no question that it’s easier to spark interest and increase membership when women can attend a local craft distillery and get the VIP treatment with private tastings and tours.

“Colorado distilleries are producing great craft spirits and we want to make sure we promote Colorado distilleries,” Roberts says.

“Every one of our events also has an educational element so that you’re learning more about whiskey and the production of whiskey.

It’s really been fascinating to see how much women want to know the details. We’re just detail-oriented in nature.”

Roberts and Stevens met in person on Aug. 17 at a Bourbon Women event hosted at Laws Whiskey House in Denver. Laws’ dark rackhouse was buzzing with enthusiasm as attendees waited to meet Stevens. She held a group tasting and spoke on the local flavor.

“It’s very rare to get Peggy at an event, because she’s a legend, and we were just so flattered that she could attend,” Roberts says.

“Other states’ branch leaders have asked, ‘how in the world did you get Peggy’ and I’m hoping we can get her to come to future events in Colorado.”

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

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DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS

Wherever the journey takes you, there’s likely a Colorado distiller who can hook you up with a pleasing cocktail

By Jay McKinney

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DISTILLING GREAT SPIRITS IS EASIER WITH GREAT FRIENDS Bear Creek Distillery Closes in on its 10th Anniversary

By Jay McKinney

“W

hat ifs” rarely materialize into anything past a conversation, but when they do, it can seem like pure destiny. At least that’s how it feels for a group of friends who founded Bear Creek Distillery after they got serious about one of those crazy “what if” ideas.

They’re not the first people to ditch regular jobs in pursuit of creating liquid art, but nearly 10 years after starting Bear Creek Distillery, it’s safe to say that Jay Johnson, Jeff Dickinson, and Dbo (David Baker)

have successfully captured lightning in a bottle in south Denver. The three guys serve as the managing partners of the distillery, which began operations after they bought their building in 2012. Johnson, Dickinson and a fourth partner, who likes to remain anonymous, attended Bear Creek High School together and decided to name the distillery after the school.

“We sort of rekindled our friendship and decided that we wanted to launch a venture together,” says

PEACH STREET DISTILLERS

whiskies, gin, rum and vodka, Spirit Hound also produces a Colorado Sambuca, Creme de Cacao (a rum-based chocolate liqueur) and Whitedog Moonshine. Visit the family-friendly tasting room for a craft cocktail, or grab a bottle and be the bartender at your next gathering.

Palisade is famous for the peaches but Peach Street Distillers is putting the agricultural town on the liquor map with its lineup of spirits. From the all-Colorado grains sourced for the bourbon and whiskey to the hand-picked, high-desert juniper berries in the gin, Peach Street Distillers is capturing the Western Slope flavor. The distillery leaders love what they are doing but they’d be the first to admit that their first passion lies with beer. Dave Thibodeau and Bill Graham launched Ska Brewing in Durango before turning their attention to Palisade and a new venture.

Head Distiller Davy Lindig is no different, and also is considered an expert homebrewer.

SPIRIT HOUND DISTILLERS Located in Lyons, Spirit Hound Distillers opened in 2012 when four friends set out to make an allmalt, 100 percent Colorado Whisky. The distillery is dedicated to only sourcing local ingredients.

The bottled-in-bond Straight Malt Whisky recently took home a gold medal at the 2022 London Spirits Competition. Outside of the award-winning

TALNUA DISTILLERY Outside of Ireland, Arvada’s Talnua Distillery is the best bet to find single pot still whiskey. It’s a style with a long history in Ireland that nearly went extinct in the last century. While on their honeymoon in Ireland, Patrick and Meagan Miller were introduced to the first batch of single pot still whiskey that had been produced in decades. Sitting in a Galway pub watching rugby, the newlyweds made friends with the bartender, whose eyes lit up when a liquor representative showed up with a case of the revived whiskey. They were educated on the history, fell in love with the flavor, and became determined to bring the style back to the United States. Through a series of meant-to-be events, the Millers opened Talnua Distillery to the public in 2019 and they’ve been climbing the ladder ever since.

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founder Jay Johnson. “We’ve all come from successful backgrounds, so it was just the next step. My wife was questioning my sanity when she found out that I was quitting my business and going into business with these guys because she grew up with the same guys.”

Johnson used to own a pest control business, while Dickinson and Dbo had jobs in the snowboarding industry.

From the beginning, the three of them designated roles for their new venture.

Dickinson took on the daunting task of distilling, as he toured the country taking classes and learning from industry vets.

Dbo was tasked with running the dayto-day business side of the distillery. And Johnson became the event guy, who also coordinated sales and marketing.

During the distillery’s initial years, each of them would also take turns tending bar multiple nights a week as they juggled long hours and no days off during their struggle to launch a small business. The hard work paid off, however, and the distillery is committed to delivering great spirits that everyone can enjoy.

“It’s been our vision from the very

FRASER VALLEY DISTILLING Location may be key when it comes to marketing and selling a product, but in the case of Fraser Valley Distilling, the location is extremely important to the creation of the product as well. According to owner Barry Young, the cooler temperatures in Fraser impact the aging process and produce spirits with less bite. Fraser Valley Distilling also benefits from the mineralrich water that is sourced from the aquifer 200 feet below ground. The purity of the Rocky Mountain water comes through in the entire distillery’s lineup, but it is most noticeable with the vodka that many people will drink neat.

DURANGO CRAFT SPIRITS Launched by a couple who moved to Durango more than 30 years ago, the bourbon, vodka and moonshine have won awards in various competitions over the years. Michael and Amy McCardell have operated the distillery for eight years in its current location on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Locally sourced

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ingredients include white corn from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and grain obtained from Colorado Malting Co. in Alamosa.

The McCardells proudly proclaim that the distillery is “Durango’s first grain-toglass distillery since prohibition.” Cocktails feature the Soiled Doves Vodka, Mayday Moonshine and Cinder Dick Straight Bourbon.

are numerous benefits to high-altitude rum distilling, which tends to produce a smooth flavor that is less sweet. The result is a trophy case of 29 double gold, gold and silver medals in international competitions since 2008. Montanya’s recently expanded tasting room is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail after a day on the slopes.

MONTANYA DISTILLERS

Sitting on top of the distilling world (literally), Breckenridge Distillery is the world’s highest distillery at 9,600 feet.

Breckenridge is an industry leader that continues to raise the bar with its awardwinning spirits. The high-rye mash American-style blended bourbon is the distillery’s flagship product and has the accolades to justify it. It’s a four-time winner of the Best American Blended from the World Whiskies Awards and also took home Bourbon of the Year honors at the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

The distillery also has won numerous awards as a whole, including the Icons of Whisky for Brand Innovator of the Year in 2018.

There’s something to be said about specializing in one area and dominating.

Montanya Distillers is a female-owned distillery in Crested Butte that doesn’t produce any of the usual suspects like vodka, gin or whiskey. It just produces premium rum that every Coloradan ought to have in the liquor cabinet. The distillery is proud to be a certified B Corporation. There

BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY

beginning to create quality, drinkable spirits,” Johnson says. “We have approachable, (reasonably priced) spirits and we want to be Colorado’s go-to craft brand from whiskey and vodka all the way down to our rums.”

While Bear Creek puts the same effort into all of its spirits, Johnson admits the crew always envisioned being a whiskeyfocused distillery, and they are extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished thus far. The distillery entered its 5-year Straight Bourbon Single Barrel into the American Craft Spirits Association’s Spirit Competition last July in New Orleans. The bourbon took home a gold medal.

In addition to creating spirits that are distributed in liquor stores across Colorado, Bear Creek has a creative cocktail program to lure people to the tasting room. The cocktail menu has blossomed thanks to the creative vision of Dbo and tasting room manager Megan Heenan.

Who can resist drinks like the Blackberry Whiskey Smash (Rye Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, blackberries, mint, honey syrup), Stumbling Tumbleweed (Straight Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cranberry/apple/sage syrup, cranberry bitters, soda) and the Noel (Spiced Rum, Cask Strength Rum, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, aquafaba)? Some are original creations while others are Bear Creek twists on the classics.

Friendly bartenders and flavorful cocktails are another reason people keep coming back to the Platt Park location near Overland Golf Course.

“I would say the most important thing that we can attribute to our success here at Bear Creek is the people we’ve been able to

bring on to our team,” Johnson says. “People like to work here, and people are proud to work here. That’s been our strength.”

Visitors appreciate the vibe and are often rewarded with a pleasant surprise. Aside from the staples, Dickenson is always willing to experiment and get creative. Small batch creations like a rye whiskey aged in port barrels (released September 2022) and cask strength rum aged in once-used bourbon barrels (to be released November 2022), are a couple examples of the limited spirits Bear Creek has produced recently.

When it first started producing cask strength rum, the distillery didn’t have its own barrels, so it borrowed from “competitors,” including Peach Street Distillers and Laws Whiskey House. The collaboration shows how tight-knit Colorado’s craft distilling community is as they all strive to bring consumers great products.

While Johnson might favor the spirits that he and his close friends take pride in making, he’s quick to show love to his fellow craft producers throughout the state.

“The level and the quality of the spirits that are coming out of Colorado right now, I don’t think you see that matched in such mass, anywhere else in the world,” Johnson says. “Obviously Tennessee and Kentucky, but (Colorado) in the craft realm more than anything else.”

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

WOODS HIGH MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

MARBLE DISTILLING If you haven’t heard of Marble Distilling, put it on your list of must-visit distilleries.

Not only is it producing high-quality spirits in the thriving small town of Carbondale, but Marble Distilling also lays claim as the only place in the world where a luxury inn is located within a working distillery.

Five contemporary suites on the second

floor above the stills are offered for nightly rental, making this location an appealing destination for those seeking a mountain getaway. In addition to the spirits, Marble is proud to be a pioneer in sustainable distilling, recapturing 100 percent of its process water and heating the facility with energy harvested through the distillation process.

Salida’s popular distillery is the vision of two brothers who wanted to make spirits that embody the Colorado mountains and all the outdoor adventure found within them. P.T. and Lee Woods opened Wood’s High Mountain Distillery to the public in December of 2012 after securing a downtown building, and then restoring an antique German pot still from the 1800s. Ten years in and the distillery continues to produce incredible gin, vodka, whiskey and liqueur. Enjoy a celebratory libation at the downtown Salida tasting room after a day of skiing on Monarch Mountain.

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Keep Colorado Wild As Coloradans, we live life outside — and with that comes the responsibility for all of us to care for Colorado and keep it wild.

With the upcoming 2023 vehicle registrations, Colorado residents will see a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass added to their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles.

This new annual pass gives all Coloradans easy access to all state parks and the added benefit of supporting our great outdoors and wildlife in a meaningful way.

Colorado is home to more than 960 species of wildlife and 23 million acres of public lands, ranging from wetlands to forests, canyon landscapes to mountain lakes. So it is no surprise that Coloradans cherish an outdoor lifestyle and want to protect the wild spaces and wildlife they treasure.

Every purchase of a Keep Colorado Wild Pass contributes to keeping our landscapes healthy and shows our state’s passion to look after the natural resources that enrich our lives. It’s more than a parks pass, the money raised from pass sale supports your: • State parks system • Search and rescue teams • Avalanche safety programs • Wildlife conservation efforts • Local accessible outdoor opportunities All of Colorado wins when you stay opted in! Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado.

Read more about the Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how it benefits Colorado at: cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpass and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.

Quick Facts:

• The pass is only offered during the Colorado vehicle registration process.

• The pass provides car, bike and foot entry into all Colorado state parks.

• The $29 pass fee is included in your vehicle registration price total unless you choose to decline.

• The pass is not transferable between vehicles and is linked to your license plate and registration card.

• Your registration card will display a Colorado Parks and Wildlife logo when you choose to stay opted in.

• You can opt out of the pass when you register your vehicle with the Division of Motor Vehicles online, through a kiosk, by mail or with a customer service representative.

• All regularly priced Colorado state park passes are still available.

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Salida, Colorado Order online or find retailers at woodsdistillery.com November-December 2022

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Grand Junction Parade of Lights. Photo: Devon Balet

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HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY COLORADO CHRISTMAS Holiday events for all ages abound all over the state, and beyond

By Melissa Voss

JOLLY GRAND JUNCTION Sleigh bells are ringing on the Western Slope this holiday season for Jolly Grand Junction festivities. The town will celebrate the arrival of Old St. Nick with a tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 19, and the Main Street Parade of Lights on Dec. 3. Leading up to the Parade of Lights is the Winter Festival, an event where local non-profits set up tasty treats and drinks for attendees. The yearly tradition of Polar Express Hot Chocolate made by Grand Junction’s own Main Street Bagels also continues, with the annual Holiday Chocolate Walk. Check out downtowngrandjunction.org for details.

RACE OF THE SANTAS It is off to the races in Breckenridge this holiday season with the return of the annual

city lighting and Race of the Santas! A crowd of Santa look-alikes will take to the streets of Breckenridge and the lighting of the town will follow. The town also will hold several other holiday activities such as caroling, a holiday dog parade, and the Children’s Moose March.

The race and lighting festivities will take place on Dec. 3. Find details at GoBreck.com.

RIDE THE RAILS WITH SANTA All aboard! The Royal Gorge hosts a Holiday Train Experience throughout the holiday season. The route features a dining and bar experience within seasonally decorated railcars, rolling into a fun, festive atmosphere.

The Santa Express Train is embarking to the North Pole this year for children of all ages to visit with Santa Claus. Each guest is given cocoa, cookies and a gift from Santa himself.

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Camp Christmas. Photo: Adams VisCom

The 90-minute trip departs from Cañon City from November through early January. Visit RoyalGorgeRoute.com for details.

Holiday-themed trains also depart from Durango, Georgetown and Golden.

WARMING UP STEAMBOAT SPRINGS The Town of Steamboat Springs is taking on a great deal of events to get visitors into the holiday season. On Nov. 12 and 13, the annual Holidays Craft Show comes to the Werner Memorial Library, where visitors can knock off items on wish lists while also supporting local businesses and artisans. Following Thanksgiving Day, the city will light the streets up with Light up the Night. Tasty cookies and hot chocolate will be available to keep everyone warm leading up to the lighting. Santa will make his visits around town to listen to all the children’s wish lists while dropping off ping pong balls filled with local specials throughout the fire department. Visit MainStreetSteamboat.com for more information.

WELCOME HANUKKAH The Temple Shalom of Colorado Springs will host an outdoor Menorah lighting event in December. While celebrating the lighting of the outdoor Menorah, the temple will host numerous other festivities and provide warm food and drinks. The date is to be determined but anticipated for late December. Check out TempleShalom.com for more.

A CASTLE ROCK CHRISTMAS Light up the night at Castle Rock for the 13th annual Festival of Lights and Season of the Star. This Castle Rock tradition brings fun for the whole family with craft and food vendors, pictures with Santa and all-day entertainment. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, and will end shortly before the Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. See crgov.com for info.

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CAMP CHRISTMAS RETURNS Want an out-of-the-box holiday experience fun for the whole family?

Look no further than Camp Christmas in Lakewood. Curated by Camp Director Lonnie Hanzon and other magic makers, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is converted to six acres of immersive exhibits and holiday displays. Parents will have their fair share of fun with three themed bars full of craft cocktails. Camp Christmas will be open from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24. The event is hosted by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Visit DenverCenter.org for more information.

FESTIVE FINE ARTS IN DENVER “A Christmas Carol” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” also are coming to the DCPA. And at the DCPA’s Boettcher Concert Hall, the Colorado Symphony presents A Colorado Christmas, Holiday Brass, several holiday movies with live soundtrack scores, and Christmas-themed shows with Face Vocal Band and Celtic Woman. And of course, no holiday season is complete without the Colorado Ballet’s “Nutcracker.”

OLD WEST UP NORTH Finally, get out of town for the annual Old West Holiday celebration in Cheyenne, Wyo. Sure, it’s another state, but it’s less than an hour from Fort Collins, and less than two hours from Denver. Featured events include Holiday Light Tours through Cheyenne, Christmas Tea, and Tinsel Through Time: An Old West Christmas. The highlight of the season is the Christmas Parade – where the Toys for Tots float leads the way, welcoming members of the community and beyond to donate toys to local children in need. The celebrations will take place from Nov. 2 to Jan. 2. For details, check out Cheyenne.org.

Melissa Voss is a South Dakota native who recently moved to Colorado. She is currently a student at the University of Colorado Denver, following her passion for literature and writing in hopes of going into higher education.

A GAYLORD HOTELS ORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

The holidays spring to life in ICE! at Gaylord Rockies!

Our signature attraction is a whimsical masterpiece of scenes from A Charlie Brown Christmas carved out of two million pounds of boldly colored ice.

NOV. 18 - JAN. 1 ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com © 2022 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

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STATEWIDE EVENTS GUIDE NOVEMBER “AIN’T TOO PROUD — THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Through Nov 6 “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, through Nov 6 “THE ROYALE,” Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, through Nov 19 THE ADDAMS FAMILY, The Schoolhouse, Parker, through Nov 20 “LITTLE RED,” Randy Weeks Conservatory Theater, Denver, through Dec 18 “THEATER OF THE MIND,” York Street Yards, Denver, through Dec 18 TRAITORS, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Nov 1 SHOVELS & ROPE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Nov 1 MILK CARTON KIDS, Boulder Theater, Nov 1 $UICIDEBOY$, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 1 MERCYFUL FATE, Fillmore, Denver, Nov 1 KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 2 CAFÉ TACVBA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 2 BRET MCKENZIE, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov 2 SAMMY RAE & THE FRIENDS, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov 2 ADAM CALHOUN, Sunshine Studios, Colorado Springs, Nov 2 MILK CARTON KIDS, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 2 “THE CROWN - LIVE,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Nov 2-20 ZACH BRYAN, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 3 MUST DIE!, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 3 SARA EVANS, City of Pueblo Memorial Hall, Nov 3 DROPKICK MURPHYS, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 3 THE HEAVY HEAVY, Fort Collins Armory, Nov 3 ILLUMINATI HOTTIES, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 3-4 EUFORQUESTRA, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Nov 4 DROWNING POOL, Sunshine Studios, Colorado Springs, Nov 4 THOMPSON LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Nov 4 KEVIN MORBY, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Nov 4 RODNEY CARRINGTON, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 4 JAKE OWEN, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 4 SPAFFORD, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 4 BOBBY WEIR & WOLF BROS FEATURING THE WOLFPACK, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 4 DENVER WOMEN’S CHORUS “MY BODY, MY VOICE,” Central Presbyterian Church, Denver, Nov 4-5 DEADMAU5, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 4-5 BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 3, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 4-6 MOAB FOLK FESTIVAL, Center Street Ballparks, Moab, Utah, Nov 4-6 THE GREETING COMMITTEE, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 5

Legendary Colorado band Leftover Salmon is coming to the Boulder Theater Nov. 25 and 26.

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 5 SARA EVANS, Pace Center, Parker, Nov 5 EUFORQUESTRA, Schmiggity’s, Steamboat Springs, Nov 5 BODEANS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Nov 5 STRAIGHT NO CHASER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 5 MUSKETEER GRIPWEED, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 5 THE DRIFTERS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 5-6 VERDI’S RIGOLETTO, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 5-13 STRAIGHT NO CHASER, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 6 CARSIE BLANTON, Lulu’s Downstairs, Manitou Springs, Nov 6 SAN JUAN SYMPHONY’S “THE MAJESTY OF MOZART,” Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 6 DENVER WOMEN’S CHORUS “MY BODY, MY VOICE,” Broomfield Auditorium, Nov 6 BEAR GRILLZ & DJ DIESEL, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 6 ADAM CALHOUN, Mesa Theatre, Grand Junction, Nov 6 MOE., Fox Theatre, Boulder, Nov 6 IVALAS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Nov 6-7 FOALS, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 7 SMASHING PUMPKINS, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 7 THE WHITE BUFFALO, Mesa Theater, Grand Junction, Nov 7 BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY, Avalon Theater, Grand Junction, Nov 7 WARDRUNA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 8 TEGAN AND SARA, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov 8 LEO KOTTKE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Nov 8

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 8 MADI DIAZ, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 9 SLANDER, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 9-10 ABBA TRIBUTE CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 10 JUDAS PRIEST, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 10 HERMANOS GUTIÉRREZ, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 10 CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 10 THE BROTHERS COMATOSE, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 10 “THE DROWSY CHAPERONE,” Music Theatre, Boulder, Nov 10-13 LEE GREENWOOD, Pace Center, Parker, Nov 10 VIENNA BOYS CHOIR, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 11 TWO-DOOR CINEMA CLUB, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 11 LANGHORNE SLIM, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 11 HATEBREED, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Nov 11 ALAN PARSONS LIVE PROJECT, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 11 COLORADO COUNTRY CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Nov 11 ZHU, Red Rocks, Morrison, Nov 11-12 INTERNATIONAL GEM & JEWELRY SHOW, Denver Mart, Nov 11-13 WINNIE THE POOH, Newman Center, Denver, Nov 11-13 “THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST,” Old Main Chapel, Boulder, Nov 11-20 BERNADETTE PETERS & COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 12 November-December 2022

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STATEWIDE EVENTS GUIDE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 12 WANNABE: A SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 12 KOE WETZEL, 1stBank Center, Broomfield, Nov 12 TEDXMILEHIGH: FUTURE SCAPE, Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 12 VETERANS’ DAY 5K, Goat Patch Brewing, Colorado Springs, Nov 12 KING BUFFALO, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 12 CAPITOL COMEDY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Nov 12 LANGHORNE SLIM, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Nov 12 HILLSONG UNITED & CHRIS TOMLIN, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Nov 12 BLUE OCTOBER, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 12 PURPLE DISCO MACHINE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 12 MACHINE HEAD, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Nov 13 BREWERS TOURNAMENT, Old Town Putt, Fort Collins, Nov 13 LOS CHICOS DEL 512: THE SELENA EXPERIENCE, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Nov 13 UPLIFT:FOCO, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 13 “MY FAIR LADY,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 15-27 BRIAN CULBERTSON, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 16 JESSICA AUDIFFRED, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 17 BRIAN REGAN, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Nov 17 LIQUID STRANGER, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 17-19 WARREN MILLER’S “DAYMAKER,” Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 17-19 EPHRAT ASHERIE DANCE, Macky Auditorium, Boulder Nov 18 VICTOR WOOTEN, Lulu’s Downstairs, Manitou Springs, Nov 18

BRIAN REGAN, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Nov 18 TCHAIKOVSKY PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 WITH OLGA KERN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 18-20 “A CHRISTMAS CAROL,”Wolf Theater, Denver, Nov 18-Dec 24 “NUTCRACKER IN A NUTSHELL,” Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Pueblo, Nov 19 TURNOVER, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov 19 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Ball Arena, Denver, Nov 19 BARREL AGED BEER & WHISKEY FESTIVAL, Denver, Nov 19 JAY LENO & JEFF FOXWORTHY, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Nov 19 DCAPELLA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 20 THE MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 20 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Nov 20 “ANNIE,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Nov 21-26 TRINITY: CLASSICALLY IRISH, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 22 STATE CHAMPS, Gothic Theatre, Englewood, Nov 22 SA-ROC, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Nov 23 MORRISSEY, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Nov 23 PHANTOMS, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Nov 25 RAPIDGRASS, The Schoolhouse, Parker, Nov 25 “HOME ALONE” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 25-26 LEFTOVER SALMON, Boulder Theater, Nov 25-26 “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Arvada Center, Nov 25-Dec 31

THEATER OF THE MIND – THROUGH DECEMBER 18

Don’t miss your chance to catch “the largest immersive theatrical experience ever attempted in Denver!” (The Denver Gazette), co-created by David Byrne & Mala Gaonkar. Inspired by both historical and current neuroscience research, the show takes you on an immersive journey inside how we see and create our worlds. theateroftheminddenver.com

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DAYSHAPER, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 26 THE SILHOUETTES, Pace Center, Parker, Nov 26 DUKE DUMONT, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov. 26 ANGIE STEVENS, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Nov 26 COLORADO BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov 26-Dec 24 THE TEN TENORS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Nov 27 A CELTIC CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Nov 27 RYAN ADAMS, Boulder Theater, Nov 27 A ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS, Pace Center, Parker, Nov 27 JULY TALK, Globe Hall, Denver, Nov 28 ALAN WALKER, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 29 YUNG GRAVY, Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, Nov 29 ALAN WALKER, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Nov 29 MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, Bellco Theatre, Denver, Nov 30

DECEMBER DAMIEN SNEED’S JOY TO THE WORLD, Newman Center, Denver, Dec 1 DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 1 SONS OF THE PIONEERS CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 1 MELT, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Dec 1 WILD PINK, Globe Hall, Denver, Dec 1 THE LIL SMOKIES, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Dec 1-3 DENVER GAY MEN’S CHORUS, “HAUL OUT THE JOLLY,” Central Presbyterian Church, Denver, Dec 1-3 “SCROOGE,” Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Pueblo, Dec 1-3 CHAMPAGNE DRIP, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Dec 2 THE MENZINGERS, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Dec 2 CHARLEY CROCKETT, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Dec 2 SOCCER MOMMY, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Dec 2 MODERN COLOR, Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, Dec 2 THE BOY BAND PROJECT, Pace Center, Parker, Dec 2 METAL & BEER FEST, Summit Music Hall, Denver Dec 2-3 A SYMPHONIC EVENING WITH CHRIS THILE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 2-4 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL 2022, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 2-4 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, Main Street Live, Trinidad, Dec 2-11 THE MENZINGERS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Dec 3 SMOAKLAND, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Dec 3 SOCCER MOMMY, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 3 MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS TOUR, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 4 THE MENZINGERS, Summit Music Hall, Denver, Dec 4 SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 4 KBCO STUDIO C VOLUME 34 RELEASE PARTY, Boulder Theater, Dec 5 EIDOLA AND RAIN CITY DRIVE, Marquis Theater, Denver, Dec 5 THE LEMONHEADS, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Dec 5 COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS, Globe Hall, Denver, Dec 5 CELTIC WOMAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Dec 5 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 5-7

STATEWIDE EVENTS GUIDE JIM BRICKMAN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 6 HARRY CONNICK, JR., Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 6 PEACH PIT, Summit Music Hall, Denver, Dec 6 “FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION,” Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Dec 7-Jan 1 A KANTOREI CHRISTMAS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 8 ROME & DUDDY, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 8 A SLIGHTLY WICKED HOLIDAY SHOW, Pace Center, Parker, Dec 8 OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Dec 8 MARTINA MCBRIDE, Paramount, Denver, Dec 8 AMON AMARTH, Fillmore, Denver, Dec 9 DENVER GAY MEN’S CHORUS, “HAUL OUT THE JOLLY,” First United Methodist Church, Boulder, Dec 9 CHERRY CREEK CHORALE, Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, Dec 9-10 WINTERFEST, Carpenter Park Fields, Thornton, Dec 9-11 A COLORADO CHRISTMAS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 9-11 STATE STREET BALLET AND SAN JUAN SYMPHONY’S “NUTCRACKER,” Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 9-11 BOULDER OPERA COMPANY’S “HANSEL AND GRETEL,” Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Dec. 9-18 PAPADOSIO, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Dec 10 THE WALLFLOWERS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Dec 10 TRACE BUNDY, Boulder Theater, Dec 10 BUKU AND G-REX, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 10 RUSSELL DICKERSON, Fillmore, Denver, Dec 10 THE SMILE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Dec 10-11 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER, Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 10-11 STORM LARGE, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Dec 11 SHEEPDOGS, Globe Hall, Denver, Dec 11 DENVER GAY MEN’S CHORUS, “Haul Out the Jolly,” St. Andrew Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Dec 11 SWITCHFOOT, Boulder Theater, Dec 11 THE WALLFLOWERS, Gothic Theatre, Denver, Dec 11 THE SWINGLES, Newman Center, Denver, Dec 12 ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 12 HOLIDAY BRASS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 13 LORIE LINE, The Schoolhouse, Parker, Dec 13 DOMINIC FIKE, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 13 THE RARE OCCASIONS, Marquis Theatre, Denver, Dec 14 THE PIANO GUYS, Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 14 BARTEES STRANGE, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Dec 14 MISSION MT. MANGART, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 14 JINX & DELA HOLIDAY SHOW, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Dec 14 FACE VOCAL BAND W/ THE COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. Dec 15 THE PIANO GUYS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 15 BAR D WRANGLERS CHRISTMAS JUBILEE, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Dec 15 LINDSEY STIRLING, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Dec 15 THE NUTCRACKER, Pace Center, Parker, Dec 15-20 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec 15-23 KELLER WILLIAMS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Dec. 16 BIG DADDY WEAVE, City of Pueblo Memorial Hall, Dec 16

Home for the Holidays is an old-fashioned variety show spectacular with dancers, singers, holiday songs, and celebrity appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. It returns to the Lone Tree Arts Center Dec 15-23.

JOHN CRAIGIE, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec. 16 GOOSEMAS, 1stBank Center, Broomfield, Dec 16-17 “RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 16-18 THE RAILBENDERS, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Dec 17 JOHN CRAIGIE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Dec 17 BECKY ROBINSON, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 17 SATURNALIA, Marquis Theatre, Denver, Dec 17 TOO HOT TO HANDEL, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 17-18 CAMP CHRISTMAS, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Dec 17-24 CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 18 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Dec 20 “MEAN GIRLS,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Dec 20-Jan 1 DISNEY’S “FROZEN” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 21 “ELF” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 22-23 ZHU, Belly Up Aspen, Dec 23 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Dec 27 THE CHAINSMOKERS, Belly Up Aspen, Dec 28 GHOST LIGHT & MARCO BENEVENTO, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Dec 29 KEVIN NEALON, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Dec 29 STS9, Fillmore, Denver, Dec 29-31 BANSHEE TREE, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Dec 30 BOOMBOX, Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, Dec 30 DECADENCE, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Dec 30-31 BOUNCING SOULS, Summit Music Hall, Denver, Dec 31 LOTUS, Boulder Theater, Dec 30-31

JOE RUSSO, ALMOST DEAD, 1stBank Center, Broomfield, Dec 30-31 A NIGHT IN VIENNA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Dec 31

JANUARY “HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 6-8 THE FAB FOUR, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 7 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. TRIBUTE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 10 AN EVENING W/ LAURA BENANTI, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 13 RAVEL’S DAPHNIS ET CHLOÉ, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 13-15 JAZZ IS DEAD, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Jan 15 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: LET IT BE, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 19 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: FORCE OF NATURE WITH PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER KEITH LADZINSKI, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 20 THE BOY BAND PROJECT, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Jan 20 HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN AND TYLER HILTON: CELEBRATING ELVIS PRESLEY’S RECORDS FROM SUN STUDIOS, Lone Tree Arts Center, Jan 21 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS “LET IT BE,”Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, Jan 21 H.M.S. PINAFORE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 20-21 DRUMS OF THE WORLD, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Jan 22 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Denver, Jan 24-Feb 5 For more events and details, visit our online calendar at ThirstColorado.com.

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LOCAL MUSICIANS BRING THE ‘LAST WALTZ - REVISITED’ TO LIFE

By Kyle Kirves

T

he word “timeless” gets tossed around an awful lot, especially when talking about music, but when it comes to the Band’s “The Last Waltz,” the word timeless is apropos. It is very easy to picture the songs being sung and the music being played by performers from any era of American history, from the Civil War to present day. Linchpin favorites as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight” are the audio equivalent of tintype photographs.

Maybe that’s why it makes total sense for that most American of holidays, Thanksgiving, to be so closely tied to “The Last Waltz.”

The original performance by The Band happened on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, and was the subject of Martin Scorcese’s first concert motion picture.

Since 2005, a pantheon of Colorado musicians have performed the double album (and more) in its entirety in the longest running tribute to the original concert. The show is billed as “The Last Waltz – Revisited,” and it’s set for the Wednesday before turkey day.

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For the 18th annual performance, more than 70 well-known local musicians will take the stage, including special guest Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Not ones to leave the younger generation out, students from the Aurora School of Rock will round out the roster.

The set list has swelled, too, now with over 30 songs from the Band’s prodigious catalog. Talk about a Thanksgiving feast!

“It’s really kind of a family affair, a great tribute to the musical community and our city,” says Gayor Gellor, production manager of “The Last Waltz – Revisited.”

“For many of the local musicians who may have been touring the bulk of the year, it’s a kind of homecoming, and for everyone, a great way to kick off the season,” he adds.

It’s a holiday tradition that had humble beginnings, starting with a gifted copy of the Scorcese film to originators CR Gruver and Tori Pater of the band Polytoxic. They gravitated to the ensemble nature of the concert, and they loved the music.

“Originally, in our band, we used to cover an album once a month at this bar that sat about 300 people,” Pater says. “Then we did “The Last Waltz” one May for CR’s birthday and it was just a smash. So we decided to do it again on Thanksgiving, just like the original show, and it just took off from there.”

Says Gruver of the selection: “When we watched the movie years ago, we loved that there were all these songs and stories and voices in it. We looked at each other and said, ‘We have friends that could play these parts! We should do this! It would be so much fun!’

And we were right,” he says. “Now it’s become this holiday tradition.”

Those roles are now filled by performers who are a Colorado Who’s Who of local music. Similarly, the various venues that have hosted “The Last Waltz – Revisited” are a veritable Where’s Where of legendary venues: Sancho’s, Dulcinea’s, the Cervantes Masterpiece ballroom, and now the current home in Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium.

Like the troupe of musicians and the setlist, the fanbase for the event is huge, and tickets go fast. If you go, know that in addition to your ticket, you should bring a canned food item for the Denver Rescue Mission. Not only will you be benefiting the event’s banner charity and recipient of a portion of the gate, you’ll also net a limited edition “The Last Waltz – Revisited” poster.

According to production manager Gellor, “From our sponsors to the musicians to the audience all the way through to the Denver Rescue Mission, it really is a realized community program and experience. We’re all grateful that we see that realization come to fruition in the show and the festive atmosphere that’s a result of a full year of planning every year. It’s a great community party.”

“And when you drink and party for charity, there’s no hangover,” Pater says laughing. I don’t know if we can hold him to that, but it’s worth a try.

When asked if there will be any surprises at this year’s event, Gruver demures, saying, “Well, there are surprises every year. But if I told you about them, they wouldn’t be surprises.” Fair point, underscoring that, like many favorite Thanksgiving dishes, this one is something of a folk recipe – a little of this, a little of that, a little different every year.

But there’s one thing that never changes, year in and year out: “The love,” Pater says, “is real. What you see up onstage is what’s going on backstage and the audience is part of that and you can feel it. You can feel all of that come together. Especially when everyone joins in a singalong to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”

Sounds like a timeless way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

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.

This year’s “The Last Waltz – Revisited” show is set for Wednesday, November 23, at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St., in Denver. Tickets go fast to this sold-out show, so get yours early through lastwaltzrevisited.com, Ticketmaster, or the Fillmore.

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Photo: Morgan Moutrie Photo

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DEFYING EXPECTATIONS Unusual spirits that still tantalize taste buds

By Kristen Kuchar

C

olorado has no shortage of well-made, highquality spirits that cover the traditional. Whether it’s a bold whiskey to sip - or add to an Old Fashioned, a vodka for a classic martini, or a gin for your favorite cocktail creations, there’s a spirit for everyone.

But there’s also a push for something new that will attract experienced drinkers as well as novices looking for the latest.

When consumers seek out something totally different, it’s available.

These 10 spirits are just a fraction of the lesscommon concoctions that some of our state’s artisan distillers have created.

Nordic Gold from Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse It all starts with a Nordic-inspired spirit, Aquavit, which is aged in rye whiskey barrels. There’s no shortage of interesting additional ingredients – caraway, dill, anise, coriander, juniper, angelica,

fennel, peppercorn and lemon. The end result is a golden color with flavors of bright fennel, licorice and vanilla. irontondistillery.com Infused Vodka from CopperMuse Distillery The idea for The Infusionist series was born inside the Fort Collins tasting room at CopperMuse. The bartenders started to embrace the infusion of fresh ingredients into spirits to create new cocktails. The bottled vodkas are made with bacon, honey and dill, horseradish, habanero and garlic, lavender and more. coppermuse.com Fleur de Sureau from Woods High Mountain Distillery Fleur de Sureau Elderflower Liqueur is inspired by the French tradition of gathering elderflowers and botanicals in the Alps to use in liqueurs. It all starts from Colorado-sourced white wine that is twicedistilled into a high-proof brandy. From there, it November-December 2022

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Photo: Blake Ruiz

is then infused with Colorado-grown elderflower and minimally sweetened with local honey. woodsdistillery.com Alpenglow Cordial from 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits This award-winning, neutral-grain spirit is infused with sage and vanilla. There’s a caramel and vanilla finish with a hint of peach and sage on the back end. It can work well in a cocktail, to accompany dessert after dinner or even added to coffee or hot chocolate.

10thwhiskey.com Amaro from Peach Street Distillers Peach Street’s Amaro, meaning “bitter” in Italian, is a traditional Italian digestif. This complex liqueur is made with Palisade grape distillation, 29 local botanicals and spices, and agave nectar for an added sweetness. Tasting notes include clove, honey and herbal with a velvet body. peachstreetdistillers.com Cactus Spirit from Dry Land Distillers This Longmont-based distillery is creating a spirit distilled from native prickly pear cactus. The cactus is smoked over a wood fire using a process similar to mezcal. The end result is a smoky and earthy spirit that pairs nice with citrus and is great in a spicy margarita. drylanddistillers.com Galadriel the Bee from Gold Dirt Distillery For its honey spirit, Gold Dirt Distillery used mead, which is a honey wine, and distilled it like a whiskey. The Rollinsville distillery also aged it like whiskey, resulting in notes of floral honey with a refined oak backbone. golddirtdistillery.com

Photo: Kelsey Bigelow

Rocky Mountain Sweet Tea from 3 Hundred Days Distilling This isn’t your traditional sweet tea. While it is handmade sweet tea, it is blended with traditional Colorado moonshine, making it 40-proof. Other unique moonshine varieties at 3 Hundred Days Distilling include Peach Cobbler, Pumpkin Spice and Cherry Pie. 3hundreddays.com Cognac Cask Whiskey from Breckenridge Distillery Breckenridge Distillery imported specific barrels from France for this whiskey – ones that housed cognac aged on average for 25 years. Breckenridge’s bourbon whiskey was then finished in the cognac barrels for two years. breckenridgedistillery.com Apple Pie Moonshine from Denver Distillery Denver Distillery’s Apple Pie Moonshine has a double-dose of Mile High City craftsmanship. The mountain recipe Ghost Spirit Moonshine is cut with locally made dry cider from Colorado Cider Company. The booze is also made with apple pie spices and fresh apples. denverdistillery.com Woods from atost A wine-based aperitif made with fresh ingredients, Woods is enjoyed by those who like the flavors of whiskey “but just can’t take the burn.” While it’s aged in a whiskey barrel, the finish is smooth and light. Sipped neat, dried orange, vanilla and cherry will greet your senses. Or, craft a Woods Old Fashioned for a twist on the traditional. atost.co

Kristen Kuchar is a freelance writer covering food, libations, music and other Colorado gatherings.

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distilling the spirit of colorado A R S N OVA S I N G E R S P R E S E N T S

MAR 1–2, 2023 “The Rolls-Royce of British a cappella ensembles.”

THE ARTS DESK

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November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 33

A VENUE WITH VIEWS — LUMEN8 ROOFTOP SOCIAL Restaurant offers simultaneous sense of both home and away

By Kristian DePue

O

n the corner of East Costilla and South Tejon, within the heart of Colorado Springs, is an illuminated invitation to an elevated evening: Lumen8 Rooftop Social. Look up from the streets and you’ll see a curvy, contemporary composition lit in color. With only a quick elevator lift to the eighth floor of the SpringHill Suites hotel, locals and tourists alike can enter an experience showcasing views of downtown and the towering topography of the Front Range.

Looking through the floor-to-ceiling windows or beyond the spacious patio, there’s no question you’re in Colorado Springs.

However, the interior design and décor give a big city, coastal vibe — as if you’re dining and imbibing in Los Angeles, Miami or San Diego.

“It’s not bougie, you just feel like you’re on vacation,” says Chef Chris Starkus, one of the chief creatives behind the concept.

“Lumen8 is upscale, clean, organized and put-together. That’s exactly what we want it to be — while feeling accessible, inviting and relaxing.”

Starkus draws from a deep well of experience within high-end hospitality and the culinary arts, from working with celebrity chefs in the Neon Capital of the World — including Rick Moonen, “The Godfather of Sustainability” — to provisioning as a personal chef and estate manager in the Pacific Northwest, to getting his hands both sticky and dirty beekeeping and doing urban farming in the

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November-December 2022

Mile High City. He’s been a culinary consultant, a higher education instructor, and continually featured on various media platforms, including ColoradoBiz and The Modern Eater Network. His passion

Above: Dining at Lumen8 Rooftop Social, an eighth-floor venue with views of both downtown Colorado Springs and the topography of the Front Range.

Photo courtesy of Lauren McKenzie of REN Creativ, rencreativ.com At Top: Lumen8 Rooftop Social includes an open patio overseeing downtown Colorado Springs and looking out toward the towering mountains of the Front Range. Photo courtesy of Meagan Thomas of Springs Native, springsnative.com

Lumen8 Rooftop Social | lumen8cos.com 402 S Tejon St. Colorado Springs CO 80903 Facebook and Instagram: @lumen8rooftopsocial 719-822-2889 for culinary endeavors is widespread and thoughtful, giving attention to sourcing, sustainability and conservation. To succinctly summarize: as Lumen8 Rooftop Social’s culinary director, Starkus brings both breadth and depth to the dining table.

“Chef Chris Starkus is very passionate about taking care of those who locally provide for us — those who allow us to share their hard work in a tangible setting,” says Forrest Jackson, Lumen8’s manager of food and beverage. “Further than that, he has transformed many minds into understanding the importance of being an advocate for recycling, composting and general care of our earth.”

Beyond saluting Starkus, Jackson champions the restaurant’s endeavor to entertain: “Lumen8 is a shareable concept that lends to an upscale, modern and welcoming atmosphere. Lumen8 is one of the best, well-rounded experiences in food and beverage here in the Springs, entirely. We work and strive to restore passion, knowledge and craft. And our network of support allows us to provide Colorado Springs the best sourced products, along with some of the best industry leaders I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside.”

The venue’s name has a multifaceted meaning, reflecting the alluring lights of the facade. And the interior matches that enticement, as a bright, warm, engaging environment, awakening an energy and excitement.

The views and large windows allow for sunsets from the Front Range to shine through. Then, of course, the number on the tail end of the phonetically creative name refers to serving patrons atop the eighth floor.

The cocktail menu features spirits from Lee Spirits Co. in Colorado Springs and Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt. “Lumen8’s food and beverage are equal in terms of sourcing, authenticity and craftsmanship,” says Starkus with confidence. “I want people to know they can come up, have a glass of wine, sit on our patio and watch the sunset fall behind the Front Range.”

Lumen8 is driven by thoughtful, intentional sourcing — whether it’s local, regional or beyond — with good techniques, in both the kitchen and bar.

“We’ve built our menus to be approachable while offering some esoteric options and potentially unfamiliar provisions,” continues Starkus. “We’ve carefully curated a broad stroke. Lumen8 can appeal to anybody and everybody.”

Born and raised in rural Indiana, Kristian DePue works as a contributing writer in Colorado Springs. In addition to writing, he enjoys travel, watching films, and a good cocktail.

November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 35

DISTILLERS’ FAVORITES

WHERE INSIDERS SHARE OPINIONS ON FAVORITE LIBATIONS

1

Olde Saint’s Keep Single Pot Still American Whiskey — Talnua Distillery

I’ve always appreciated the passion that Meagan and Patrick have for their distillery and how you can tell they truly love what they do. Their various styles of whiskey are all phenomenal and I’ve yet to find one I’d rate lower than a 9/10. Great people, great distillery. Can’t ask for a better combination in my book.

Warren Wood, co-owner, Dirty Dill

4

Straight Malt Whisky Spirit Hound Distillers

Recently, I acquired a bottle of Spirit Hound Distillers Straight Malt Whiskey, 90 Proof, three years aged, single barrel #239. I feel it is the best whiskey made from the adventurous distillery in Lyons. Made from all-Colorado malted barley, the color is a golden caramel and the nose is sweet and earthy. A buttery vanilla flavor with a touch of smoke from their peat-smoked malt make this a wonderful sipper. Aged in American oak barrels provides a smooth and delicious finish.

Jake Weien, co-owner, 1350 Distilling

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November-December 2022

2

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bear Creek Distillery

3

Apertivo Leopold Brothers

I first met the team at Bear Creek Distillery when they were getting started. It’s a crew full of passionate people that are so chill and down to earth that you can’t help but be excited for anything they put out. In my opinion their Straight Bourbon whiskey sets the bar for what craft whiskey should be. It’s so well balanced between wood, alcohol and grain that it’s an everyday sipper for me.

Whenever I am not drinking rum, I have found myself drawn to Apertivo. A rocks glass with Apertivo and soda on a summer night, or a straight sipper in the winter. Sometimes I combine two styles for the right balance. So it will be no surprise to learn that I am a fan of Leopold Brothers Apertivo. It is made the right way, like everything Todd and his crew make. And it is nice to drink this style of spirit from closer to home than Italy.

Rob Masters, head distiller and partner, The Family Jones

Karen Hoskin, founder and owner, Montanya Distillers

5

Spiced Rum Balmer Peak Distillery

I’ve been getting into the spiced rum from Balmer Peak Distillery. Distiller Austin Adamson crafted an exciting spiced rum with an emphasis on bold and warm flavors. I particularly like the szechuan peppercorns, which add pep and zing to a spirit that blows tiki cocktails out of the trans-Pacific park.

Erik Dever, head distiller, Denver Distillery

6

Signature Straight Bourbon Leopold Bros.

One of my favorite spirit brands here in Colorado is Leopold Bros. They also take their homemade liqueurs seriously - producing apertivo, absinthe verte, amaro. I think their signature straight bourbon is one of the best Colorado bourbons out there.

Bob Wiley, co-owner, Deviation Distilling

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November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 37

COLORADO SPIRITS TRAIL APP OFFERS DEALS, TIPS AND PRIZES

By The Thirst Team

E

xperts across the world decide on which distilled products are worthy of award-winning attention each year, and without fail, Colorado represents well.

It just became easier to find some of those superlative spirits, thanks to a new Colorado Spirits Trail app. The core of the app is a map that allows drinkers to check off distillery visits, sample spirits and cocktails, and earn badges The Colorado Distillers Guild, which lobbies on behalf of its 50plus members around the state, launched the app.

Meagan Miller, co-owner of Talnua Distillery in Arvada, is the current president of the Guild.

In order to support the state’s spirits purveyors, Miller said the Distillers Guild launched the app earlier this year to help consumers find tasting rooms, snare great deals and learn about upcoming events.

Miller also hopes that the app will prompt additional distilleries to join the Guild in the upcoming year. Roughly half of Colorado’s spirits makers are currently members.

The Colorado Spirits Trail app replaces a printed version that required indulgers to carry a pamphlet with a map and a list of tasting rooms across the state. Now, the nearest location is just a click away. Additionally, distillery events are listed and there are reviews and cocktail tips from various businesses.

By visiting distilleries and tasting their wares, participants can earn badges and eventually win prizes, such as a stay at the Surf Hotel, an inviting boutique hotel overlooking the Buena Vista

Whitewater Park (while in town, curious drinkers can also check out Buena Vista’s Deerhammer Distillery and earn another badge).

The app was paid for in part with a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office.

Perennial spirits competition award winners such as Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs, and Denver’s Laws Whiskey House and Stranahan’s are all part of the Distillers Guild and are found on the app.

The app can also direct spirits fans to lesser-known distilleries in small towns, such as Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt, Storm King Distilling in Montrose, and Marble Distilling Co. in Carbondale.

Other Guild board members include Jason Hevelone from CopperMuse Distillery in Fort Collins, who serves as vice president. Lee Wood from Woods High Mountain Distillery in Salida is treasurer, and Stephen Gould from Golden Moon Distillery in Golden oversees government affairs.

Look for Colorado Spirits Trail in the Apple and Android app stores.

Meagan and Patrick Miller own Talnua Distillery in Arvada. Meagan is the president of the Colorado Distillers Guild.

38 ThirstColorado.com

November-December 2022

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November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 39

Prime Pairings Fungi Truffle Burger with “The Colonel” from Spirit Hound Distillers

By Kristen Kuchar This truffle burger is mostly made of local ingredients, including Hazel Dell Mushrooms from Fort Collins.

For an excellent pairing, Amanda Engelhorn, mixologist and Spirit Hound Distillers’ tasting room manager, recommends The Colonel.

“The Colonel has an earthiness from the turmeric that pairs nicely with the truffles, and the citrus sharpness of the lime in The Colonel also does a good job of cutting through the richness of the burger,” she says. “They’re both strong-flavored and stand up well to each other, so a bite of the burger doesn’t completely eclipse the cocktail and vice versa.”

FUNGI TRUFFLE BURGER

Ingredients

SPIRIT HOUND DISTILLERS — THE COLONEL Ingredients: 1 1⁄2 oz Spirit Hound gin 1⁄2 oz turmeric infusion* 1 oz simple syrup 3⁄4 oz lime juice (freshly-squeezed is best) Directions: Add all ingredients to an old fashioned glass filled with ice; stir to incorporate. Garnish with a lime twist. *Turmeric Infusion: 3 oz Turmeric (unpeeled weight) + 1 bottle vodka Place unpeeled root in food processor and process for 30 to 60 seconds, until it’s finely chopped (it will almost look like a dry paste).

Place in an infusion jar with vodka and infuse for 2 days. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing liquid out of turmeric.

3 pounds ground grass-fed caribou or beef 6 slices havarti cheese Horseradish cream 1.5 oz prepared horseradish 1/2 lemon juiced and zested Salt to taste 1.5 pound Hazel Dell Mix mushrooms 1/4 stick butter 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme Pickled red onion 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup kosher salt 2 tbsp pickling spice 4 cups water 2 cups apple cider vinegar 2 cups water 2 red onions sliced julienne 6 brioche buns 6 oz wild arugula Truffle carpaccio (from specialty stores or online)

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Sweet Potato Hummus & Silly Rabbit Cocktail Method of Preparation: 1. C ombine all ingredients for the horseradish cream.

2. P repare pickled red onion. Slice red onions and keep to the side in a bowl or heat safe container. Boil all other ingredients and reduce by 1/3. Once reduced, pour on top of sliced red onions and refrigerate until pink and cold.

3. S lice mushrooms to desired sizes, and cook in a pan with butter and thyme until desired tenderness.

Place on a tray and cool.

4. P repare an 8 oz burger patty and form into a ½ to 2-inch thick round.

Press the middle of the patty with two fingers making a crater. This will prevent the burger from forming a ball while cooking. Cook burger in a hot cast iron skillet to medium rare or 135 degrees.

5. Toast brioche buns in a cast iron skillet and place the horseradish cream on the top bun. Then spread the truffle carpaccio on top of the horseradish cream.

If you stop by Breckenridge Distillery during their happy hour, you’ll find an eclectic variety of bites to accompany your cocktail. One of them is the sweet potato hummus, which is served with warm pita triangles and seasonal vegetables. “This pairing screams healthier side deliciousness,” says Billie Keithley, Breckenridge Distillery Liquid Chef. “Breckenridge Bourbon with apple ginger and fresh carrot juice with a light effervescence complements this gorgeous homemade hummus dish. A bite and a sip the way it’s intended. The flavors dance in harmony.”

Sweet Potato Hummus 4 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 sweet potato 3 lemons, 1 zest 1/8 cup roasted garlic 1/4 cup dark chili powder 1 cup vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Coat sweet potato with oil, salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum and bake in the oven at 350 degrees until soft (about an hour and a half). Let cool. Once cool, peel the skin off the potato and add to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients except for the oil. Blend, adding oil in a small stream to emulsify the hummus.

Adjust seasoning to your liking.

Serve immediately or reserve in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Silly Rabbit 3/4 oz Breckenridge Bourbon 2 oz fresh juiced carrots 1 oz ginger apple syrup* Top with soda

*Ginger/apple syrup. Over low heat, combine 1 cup apple juice, 4 ounces raw sugar, 2 ounces honey and ¼ cup crushed ginger. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat. Let rest for an hour. Strain and refrigerate.

6. P lace arugula and pickled red onion on bottom bun 7. Once the burger is at temperature, place 2 slices of havarti on top and melt. Once melted place reheated mushrooms on top of the cheese and enjoy

Serves 6 Directions Build in glass with the top two ingredients. Add ice and top with soda.

Stir slightly to incorporate ingredients.

Garnish: Pea Tendrils

November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 41

Join us for ...

... a craft beer kaleidoscope We kick off 2023 with our deepest dive ever into the diverse Colorado brewing scene. Look for our next issue in January, and visit us online at ThirstColorado.com.

/ThirstColorado /ThirstColorado

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November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 43

COLORADO CRAFT L Seedstock Brewery ● ●

● – Food Truck ● – Live Music

BREWERIES DENVER

Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales

Novel Strand Brewing Co Platt Park Brewing Co ● The Post Chicken and Beer ● Ratio Beerworks So Many Roads Brewery The Post Chicken and Beer ● TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL Bruz Off Fax Cerebral Brewing ● ● Counter Culture Brewery & Grille ● Fiction Beer Co ● Long Table Brewhouse ● Pints Pub ●

Tivoli Brewing ●

Denver Beer Co

Zuni St. Brewing Co ●

Elevated Seltzer ● ● LUKI Brewery

Dead Hippie Brewing ●

NORTHWEST DENVER

Someplace Else Brewery

Peak View Brewing Co

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Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti ●

FREDERICK

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Mirror Image Brewing Co

A Bit Twisted Brewpub

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BJ’s ●

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

Cheluna Brewing Co

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Coda Brewing

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Coors Brewing Co

Jade Mountain Brewing Co

Golden City Brewery ●

Berkeley Alley Beer Co. Bruz Beers ● Call to Arms Brewing Co ● Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Denver Beer Co Canworks ● Diebolt Brewing Co ● ● The Empourium Brewing Co FlyteCo Brewing Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

Launch Pad Brewery

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BRIGHTON Big Choice Brewing

10 Barrel Brewing Co ● ● 10barrel.com 720.573.8992

Flood Stage Ale Works ● Something Brewery

2620 Walnut St Denver

BROOMFIELD

Vine Street Pub & Brewery ●

Altitude Brewing & Supply Bierstadt Lagerhaus ●

Rails End Beer Co ● ●

Black Shirt Brewing Co ● ●

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CASTLE ROCK

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New Belgium - The Woods at the Source

Iron Mule Brewery

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Rockyard Brewing Co ●

Odell Brewing Co

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Our Mutual Friend

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Ratio Beerworks ● ● River North Brewery

3 Freaks Brewery ●

MILE HI/AURARIA Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ● Burns Family Artisan Ales Little Machine Beer ●

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons Very Nice Brewing - Nederland ●

BOULDER Asher Brewing Co Avery Brewing ● Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

Holidaily Brewing Co Holidailybrewing.com 303.278.BEER 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

BJ’s ● Finkel & Garf Brewing Co Kettle and Spoke Brewery Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ●

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

Oskar Blues Taproom ● ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Ohm Brewing

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Over Yonder Brewing

Ska Street Brewstillery

LAKEWOOD 6 and 40 Brewery Great Frontier Brewing Co Green Mountain Beer Co Landlocked Ales Old 121 Brewhouse Westfax Brewing Co

LITTLETON AREA Blue Spruce Brewing Co Breckenridge Brewery ● Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co Comet Brews ● Jackass Hill Brewery ● Lariat Lodge Brewing Living the Dream Brewing Co Locavore Beer Works

Southern Sun ● Stein Brewing Co The Post Chicken and Beer Twisted Pine Brewing ● ● Unnamed Beer Co Uhl’s Brewing Co Upslope Brewing Co ● ● Vision Quest Brewing Co Wild Provisions Beer Project

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Collision Brewing Co ● Grossen Bart Brewery ● ●

Lone Tree Brewing Co

PARKER

Knuckle Puck Brewing

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Copper Kettle Brewing Co ●

Barnett and Son Brewing Co ● ● Downhill Brewing Co ●

Oskar Blues Brewing ●

SOUTHWEST DENVER

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

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Welcome Home Brewery

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WESTMINSTER

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Spice Trade Brewing Co

BJ’s ●

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Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ●

44 ThirstColorado.com

Industrial Revolution Brewing - Erie

Satire Brewing Co ● ●

Grist Brewing Co ●

Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending - Rollinsville

Bootstrap Brewing ● ●

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Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

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Denver Chophouse & Brewery ●

Sandlot Brewery

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ●

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON

Blue Spruce Brewing Co ● ●

Rock Bottom Denver ●

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

LONGMONT

SOUTHEAST DENVER

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery ●

Busey Brews - Nederland

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Denver Beer Co Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

BOULDER COUNTY

Knotted Root Brewing Co - Nederland

Lady Justice Brewing

Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery ●

Gordon Biersch ●

FIVE POINTS

Windfall Brewing Co _____________________________

Joyride Brewing Co ●

Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar ●

14er Brewing

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Station 26 Brewing Co ●

Sweetwater Brewing Co ●

Kokopelli Beer Co ● ●

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4 Noses Brewing Co ●

Great Divide Brewhouse & Kitchen ●

Frolic Brewing Co ●

Barquentine Brewing Co

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Reverence Brewing Co

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EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

New Image Brewing ●

J. Moe’s Italian Bistro and Brewery ●

Banded Oak Brewing Co

Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen ●

ARVADA

Blue Tile Brewing

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Grandma’s House

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Raices Brewing Co

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November-December 2022

300 Suns Brewing ●

Primitive Beer

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The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ●

LOUISVILLE 12Degree Brewing ● Crystal Springs Brewing Co Gravity Brewing ● ● Mother Tucker Brewery ● Redgarden Restaurant & Brewery ● _____________________________

N. FRONT RANGE

Rock Coast Brewery

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Sky Bear Brewery and Pub

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Verboten Brewing Co _____________________________

ALAMOSA

Mad Russian Brewing Co - Olathe

The Colorado Farm Brewery

Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

CENTRAL COLORADO

San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Suds Brothers Brewery - Fruita ● ●

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath

Avant Garde Aleworks

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

Estes Park Brewery ●

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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co The Post Chicken and Beer ● Rock Cut Brewing Co

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

FORT COLLINS

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

Anheuser-Busch

Paradox Beer Co., Trinidad Outpost

BJ’s ●

Atrevida Beer Co ● Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery Battle Mountain Brewing ● Bell Brothers Brewing Black Forest Brewing Co ● Brass Brewing Co ● Bristol Brewing ● Cerberus Brewing Co ● Cogstone Brewing Co ● ● Colorado Mountain Brewery ● Dueces Wild Brewery ● Father & Sons Brewery ● FH Beerworks ● Fossil Craft Beer Co ● Goat Patch Brewing Co ● JAKs Brewing Co ● Local Relic ● Lost Friend Brewing ● Mash Mechanix Brewing Metric Brewing ● Nano 108 ● OCC Brewing Peaks N Pines Brewing Co ● Phantom Canyon ● ● Pikes Peak Brewing Co ● ● Red Leg Brewing ●

GRAND MESA AREA

G5 Brew Pub - Severance ●

Florence Brewing - Florence

COLORADO SPRINGS

The Break Room Brewing Co

Rock Bottom ●

ESTES PARK

Funky Town Brewing - Florissant

Loveland Aleworks

High Hops Brewery - Windsor ●

S. FRONT RANGE

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Black Bottle Brewery ●

Pagosa Brewing Co ● Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

Copper Club Brewing Co - Fruita ● Dented Face Brewing Co - Delta

Browns Canyon Brewing - Buena Vista

Square Peg Brewerks

Eddyline Brewery - Buena Vista ●

PAONIA

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Mad Jack’s Mtn Brewery - Bailey ● ● South Park Brewing Co - Fairplay ●

Paonia United Brewing Co _____________________________

Two Mile Brewing Co - Leadville ●

NORTHEAST

SALIDA

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling

Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub ●

Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma _____________________________

Westbound & Down Brewing Co - Idaho Springs ●

NORTHWEST

EVERGREEN

Soulcraft Brewing

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ●

Tres Litros Beer Co _____________________________

Crooked Stave Brewing

CENTRAL CITY/GEORGETOWN/ IDAHO SPRINGS Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ● Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling Emporium - Central City ● Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub Idaho Springs ●

Camber Brewing Co - Fraser

El Rancho Brewing Co ●

SOUTHWEST

Fraser River Beer Co - Fraser

Evergreen Brewery ●

Avalanche Brewing Co - Silverton ●

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

Bottom Shelf Brewery - Bayfield ●

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

SUMMIT COUNTY

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

Funkwerks

Colorado Boy Brewery - Montrose, Ridgway ●

Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne

Hello Brew Co

Dolores River Brewery - Dolores ● ●

Vicious Cycle Brewing - Fraser

The Baker’s Brewery - Silverthorne ●

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Golden Block Brewery - Silverton ●

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Intersect Brewing

Horsefly Brewing Co - Montrose ● ●

Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig

Broken Compass Brewing - Breck.

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Lake City Brewing - Lake City

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ●

The Marmot Fort Collins

Mancos Brewing Co - Mancos ●

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ●

HighSide Brewing - Frisco ● ●

Maxline Brewing

San Juan Brews - Montrose

Mountain Tap Brewery ●

Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

Mythmaker Brewing

Smuggler’s Brewpub - Telluride ●

Storm Peak Brewing Co

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Square Peg Brewerks - Creede

Yampa Valley Brewing Co

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ● _____________________________

Odell Brewing Co ● ●

Stoik Beer Co - Delta

WINTER PARK

Peculier Ales

Stronghouse Brew Pub - Telluride

Big Trout Brewing Co

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Pitchers Brewery ●

Telluride Brewing Co - Telluride

Hideaway Park Brewery

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

Prost Brewing Co

Two Rascals Brewing Co - Montrose

The Peak Bistro & Brewery ● _____________________________

Purpose Brewing

I-70 CORRIDOR

Donovan Brewing Co

CORTEZ

Rally King Brewing Ramskeller Brewery ●

J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ●

EAGLE COUNTY

New Planet Beer

Snowbank Brewing

Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

7 Hermits Brewing Co - Vail ●

Saint Patrick’s Brewing

Stodgy Brewing Co ●

WildEdge Brewing Collective

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

Sleeping Giant Brewing

SweetWater Brewery

DURANGO

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

Anarchy Brewing

DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ● Envy Brewing Equinox Brewing ●

Animas Brewing Co ●

Red Swing Brewhouse

GREELEY

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

Rocky Mountain Brewery ●

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

Smiling Toad Brewery ●

Green Earth Brewing

Storybook Brewing ●

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Trinity Brewing ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

PUEBLO

LOVELAND/BERTHOUD

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ● ●

Berthoud Brewing Co

Reservoir Brewing Co Shamrock Brewing ●

Carver Brewing Co ● Durango Beer and Ice Co Ska Brewing Co ● ● Steamworks Brewing Co ●

High Alpine Brewing Co ● Irwin Brewing Co

ASPEN/CARBONDALE/ GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Boulder Beer Co Ceria Brewing Dive Bar Brewing Co Idylwilde Brewing

Syndicate Brewing Co

DISTILLERIES

Aspen Brewing Co ● Ball Brewing

DENVER/BOULDER

Capitol Creek Brewery ●

52Eighty Distilling - Littleton

Carbondale Beer Works ●

Abbott & Wallace - Longmont

Casey Brewing and Blending

Anders’ Vodka - Parker

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

Archetype Distillery - Denver

Roaring Fork Beer Co ●

Arta Tequila - Englewood

GRAND JUNCTION Edgewater Brewery ● Foam & Folly Brewing

atöst Lounge - Golden Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood Bear Creek Distillery - Denver The Block Distilling Co - Denver

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

OURAY

Gemini Beer Co

Big Thompson Brewery

Colorado Boy Brewery ●

Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Ouray Brewery ●

November-December 2022

ThirstColorado.com 45

Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery - Boulder

SOUTHERN COLORADO

Colterris Winery - Palisade

Branch & Barrel Distilling Centennial

3 Hundred Days of Shine - Monument

DeBeque Canyon Winery - Palisade

1350 Distilling - Colo. Springs

Evolve Wines - Clifton

Art of the Spirits Colorado Whiskey Woodland Park

Grande River Vineyards - Palisade

Conflagration Distilling - Wheat Ridge Copper Sky Distillery - Longmont

Axe and the Oak - Colo. Springs

Deki Distillery - Lafayette

CENTRAL FRONT RANGE

FOUR CORNERS

Aspen Peak Cellars - Bailey

Flying T Wine - Cortez

Attimo Wine - Denver

Four Leaves Winery - Durango

Avanti Winery - Littleton

Fox Fire Farms - Ignacio

Balistreri Vineyards - Denver

Sutcliffe Vineyards - Cortez

Plum Creek Cellars - Palisade

Bigsby’s Folly - Denver

Yellow Car Country Wines - Cortez

Lee Spirits - Colo. Springs

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Black Arts Cellars - Littleton

Meridiem Spirits - Elizabeth

Restoration Vineyards - Palisade

Blanchard Family Wines - Denver

Mystic Mountain Distillery - Larkspur

Sauvage Spectrum - Palisade

Bonacquisti Wine Company - Denver

Sand Creek Distillery - Hugo

Shiras Winery - Grand Junction

Carboy Winery - Denver, Littleton

Big B’s Juices and Hard Cider Hotchkiss

Sangre Distilleries - Westcliffe

St. Kathryn Cellars Winery & Gift Shop - Palisade

Colorado Sake Co. - Denver

Boco Cider - Boulder

Creekside Cellars - Evergreen

Boxing Brothers Cider - Colorado Springs

Deviation Distilling - Denver

Cockpit Craft Distillery - Colo.

Springs Deerhammer Distilling Co - Buena Vista Distillery 291 - Colo. Springs

Gold Dirt Distillery - Rollinsville Golden Moon Distillery - Golden Hogback Distillery - Wheat Ridge J & L Distilling Co - Boulder

Spirits of the Rockies - Pueblo

Ironton Distillery - Denver

The Gypsy Room - Colo. Springs

Laws Whiskey House - Denver Leopold Bros - Northeast Denver Mad Rabbit Distillery - Westminster

Woods High Mountain Distillery woodsdistillery.com 719.207.4315

Mile High Spirits - Lodo

144 W 1st Salida

Longtucky Spirits - Longmont

Molly Brown Spirits - Denver

Gubbini Winery - Palisade

Mesa Park Vineyards - Palisade Peachfork Orchards and Vineyards - Palisade

Talon Winery - Palisade The Ordinary Fellow- Palisade Two Rivers Winery - Grand Junction Two Swedes Glögg - Grand Junction TWP Winery & Farmhouse - Clifton Varaison Vineyards and Winery Palisade

Deep Roots Winery & Bistro - Denver Gaijin 24886 Sake - Denver The Infinite Monkey Theorem Denver InVINtions, A Creative Winery Greenwood Village Kingman Estates Winery - Denver

WESTERN SLOPE

Whitewater Hill Vineyards - Grand Junction

Ladrón Cellars - Englewood

Rocker Spirits - Littleton

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co - Vail

CENTRAL WEST AREA

Monart Winery - Centennial

Spirit Hound Distillers - Lyons

39 North Spirits - Eagle

5680' Vineyard - Paonia

State 38 Distilling - Golden

808 Distillery - Eagle

Stranahan’s - South Denver

Durango Craft Spirits - Durango

Alfred Eames Cellars at Puesta del Sol Vineyards - Paonia

Purgatory Cellars Winery - Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker

Mythology Distillery - Denver ● Rising Sun Distillery - Denver

Strongwater Spirits & Botanicals - Denver

Fraser Valley Distilling fraservalleydistilling.com 970.363.7792

Talnua Distillery - Arvada

410 Zerex St Fraser

Tighe Brothers Distillery - Denver

Mummy Hill Winery - Holyoke

Maison la Belle Vie Winery & Amy’s Courtyard - Palisade

Blackhat Distillery - Colo. Springs

The Family Jones Spirit House Denver ●

Country Road Vines and Wines - Fort Morgan

Hermosa Vineyards - Palisade

DV8 Distillery - Boulder

Dry Land Distillers - Longmont

Vino Salida Wine Cellars - Poncha Springs

Claremont Inn & Winery - Stratton

Reds Wine Boutique - Sterling

Denver Distillery - Denver

Downslope Distilling - Centennial

Vino Colorado Winery - Colorado Springs

PLAINS

Western Skies Winery - Penrose

Black Bear Distillery - Green Mountain Falls

Devil’s Head Distillery - Englewood

Graystone Winery - Clifton

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey Canon City

Tingala - Denver Vanjak Vodka - Golden

Highlands Distillery - Grand Junction

Whistling Hare DistilleryWestminster ●

Honey House Distillery - Durango Idlewild Spirits Distillery- Winter Park

Leap of Faith Winery - Wheat Ridge

CIDERIES Apple Valley Cider Co

Branch Out Cider - Fort Collins Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose C Squared Ciders - Penrose ● Clear Fork Cider - Denver Climb Hard Cider Co - Loveland Colorado Cider Co - Denver Colorado +49 Cidery & Pub- Golden Fenceline Cider - Mancos Haykin Family Cider - Aurora Locust Cider & Brewing Co- Boulder

Silver Vines Winery - Arvada

Old Mine Cidery & Brewpub - Erie

Aquila Cellars- Paonia

Spero Winery - Denver

Red Fox Cellars - Palisade

Azura Cellars - Paonia

Water 2 Wine - Centennial

Scrumpy’s Hard Cider - Fort Collins

Berkeley Estate Cellars - Paonia

The Wine Barrel - Parker

Snow Capped Cider - Cedaredge

Black Bridge Winery - Paonia Chill Switch Wine - Cedaredge Cottonwood Cellars / The Olathe Winery - Olathe

NORTHERN FRONT RANGE Augustina’s Winery - Nederland Bad Bitch Cellars - Eaton

Jack Rabbit Hill - Hotchkiss

Blue Mountain Vineyards - Berthoud

Lanoue DuBois Winery - Montrose

BookCliff Vineyards - Boulder

Leroux Creek Vineyards - Hotchkiss

Hillside Vineyard - Fort Collins

St. Vrain Cidery - Longmont Stem Ciders - Denver ● ● Stem Ciders Acreage- Lafayette ● ● Summit Hard Cider - Fort Collins Talbott’s Cider Co - Palisade Teal Cider - Dolores

NORTHERN COLORADO

KJ Wood Distillers - Ouray

477 Distilling - Greeley

Marble Distilling Co - Carbondale ●

Blue Valley Spirits - Kremmling

Montanya Distillers - Crested Butte

Mesa Winds Farm and Winery Hotchkiss

Infinite Monkey Theorem Tasting Room – Fort Collins

Coyote Gold Margaritas - Fort Collins

Peach Street Distillers - Palisade

Mountain View Winery - Olathe

OBC Wine Project - Fort Collins

Coppermuse Distillery - Fort Collins

Peak Spirits - Hotchkiss

Qutori Wines - Paonia

Settembre Cellars - Boulder

Elevation 5003 Distillery - Fort Collins

Rising Run Taproom - Frisco

Stone Cottage Cellars - Paonia

Snowy Peaks Winery - Estes Park

Stoney Mesa Winery - Cedaredge

Sweet Heart Winery - Loveland

Black Forest Meadery - Colorado Springs

Storm Cellar Winery - Hotchkiss

Ten Bears Winery - Laporte

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Williams Cellars - Cedaredge

Turquoise Mesa Winery - Broomfield

Dragon Meadery - Aurora

Vinnie Fera - Boulder

Drekar Meadery - Colorado Springs

Barn & Barrel - Florence

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

Honnibrook Meadery Castle Rock ● ●

Brush Hollow Winery - Penrose

Buckel Family Wine - Crested Butte

Hunters Moon Meadery - Severance

Avant Vineyards - Palisade

D’Vine Wine - Manitou Springs

Carboy Winery - Breckenridge

Meadery of the Rockies - Palisade

BookCliff Vineyards - Palisade

Evergood Elixirs - Palmer Lake

Medovina - Niwot

Carboy Winery - Palisade

Legatum Cellars - Canon City

Continental Divide Winery Breckenridge, Fairplay

Carlson Vineyards - Palisade

Monte Cervino - Colorado Springs

Syntax Spirits - Greeley

Carlson Tasting Room - Grand Junction

Mountain Spirit Winery - Salida

Tower 56 Distilling - Greeley

Centennial Cellars - Palisade

Pop’s Vineyard - Penrose

Elkins Distilling Co - Estes Park Feisty Spirits - Fort Collins The Heart Distillery - Windsor Mobb Mountain Distillers - Fort Collins NOCO Distillery - Fort Collins Old Elk Distillery - Fort Collins Old Town Distilling - Fort Collins Spring 44 Distilling - Loveland Steamboat Whiskey Co - Steamboat Spring ●

Stoneyard Distillery - Dotsero Storm King Distilling - Montrose Telluride Distilling Co - Telluride Woody Creek Distillers - Basalt

WINERIES

Colorado Cellars Winery - Palisade

46 ThirstColorado.com

November-December 2022

SOUTH FRONT RANGE

Monkshood Cellars - Minturn

Waldschänke Ciders - Denver Wild Cider - Firestone

MEADERIES Antelope Ridge Mead - Colorado Springs

Miracle Stag Meadery - Loveland Queen Bee Brews - Denver

Vines at Vail Winery - Wolcott

Redstone Meadery - Boulder

Steamboat Winery - Steamboat Springs

Slaymaker Cellars - Idaho Springs Zanamiel Meadery - Centennial

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November-December 2022

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