THE BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY STORY
The Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery”. Founded in 2008, the Breckenridge Distillery is most widely known for its blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded crafted bourbons; 4x winner of Best American Blended (2016, 17, 18, and 2019) from the World Whiskies Awards and Bourbon of the Year in 2011 at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. In 2018, Breckenridge Distillery won the 2018 American Icons of Whisky for Brand Innovator of the Year.
Since coming online in 2008 and releasing its first vodka and bourbon three years later, Breckenridge Distillery has quickly become an award-winning producer of fine spirits, being designated one of the top three bourbons in the U.S. How it all came to be, however, stems from a mix of just the right ingredients, a hint of luck and a deep love for quality whiskey.
Breckenridge Distillery might not have happened had it not been for a fishing trip to the Mohawk Lakes near Breckenridge, shortly after Nolt had returned from Scotland, where he had searched for those super-rare spirits. In his mind, with a few employees and Breckenridge’s amazing water, there was a clear opportunity to make great spirits and “just revel in it.”
“I didn’t expect it would replace my career by any means,”said Bryan Nolt, Founder and CEO, who still practices medicine on a limited basis. “But that was the motivation behind it.” READ MORE about Bryan’s story and passion for whiskey.
The Then
I admit to being a physician and a whisk(e)y nerd. In 2007 I had the arguably really bad idea of starting a distillery in Breckenridge, Colorado. Cashing out my life savings, kids’ college fund, and eventually selling my house to cover monthly payroll and taxes, we bootstrapped our way through the early years loving every minute of it.
Today it would be fair to call us a successful distillery. We made it this far by checking our egos at the door, assembling the best cast and crew, and exhibiting the tenacity of a starving honey badger. I challenge you to find a team of employees and artists anywhere else with as much skill and dedication. I must also confess our unfair advantage due to the unique features of the Breckenridge water we use for proofing and blending every bottle of our spirits.
Bryan Nolt
Founder and CEO
The Now
We’re not trying to prove a point or show off. Rather, we try to work smarter and offer you the simple pleasures of quality, mouthfeel, and flavor.
During the summer months we press fresh Colorado Western slope fruits for our Brandies, Liqueurs, and Vodka flavorings. We prefer using local ingredients whenever possible. Year round we make grain to bottle Whiskeys and Rum, distill botanicals, and blend Bourbon Whiskey in small batches. Our Blend of Bourbon Whiskeys also consists of Barrels selected from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana chosen for their unique qualities, heritage, and ability to marry in our blend, always made from a high-rye mash bill.
Jordan Via
Master Distiller/Winemaker
Come and See
In 2016 we are completing a new barrel house, bringing two more stills on line, and adding a cocktail bar and event spaces. We also have the pleasure of welcoming Chef Daniel O’Brien from Washington D.C. who will be bringing you a destination distillery experience complete with food pairings and best bites from our kitchen. This will be complimented with a small brewery utilizing house-grown hops and a winery featuring varietals made from Colorado Western Slope grapes. We offer complimentary distillery tours seven days per week and operate another small tasting room in the heart of downtown Breckenridge.
Please come visit, meet our employees, and allow us to share our passion with you.
