The Breckenridge Distillery Story
The Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery”. Founded in 2008, we are most widely known for our blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. Our Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the US.
The Breckenridge Distillery is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 10x winner of Best American Blended winner at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine and a 4x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, Breckenridge Port Cask Finish was named World’s Best Finished Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, joining Breckenridge High Proof, named World’s Best Blended Whiskey ’23 and Breckenridge Gin, named World’s Best Compound Gin at the ’21 World Gin Awards by Gin Magazine. Breckenridge spirits have been awarded 6 Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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.
“Philosophically for me, quality is the only thing that matters,” says Nolt. “If you want to have quality in whiskey, there’s so much heritage that you just can’t ignore.”
Blog
11 ‘Star Wars’ Cocktails That Are Out Of This World
May the Force Be With Your Tastebuds this May 4th! It’s Star Wars Day, and it’s a common theme at Breckenridge Distillery. From the artwork that adorns the walls and hallways to properly-garnished Star Wars cocktails, it is safe to say….we are fans. Billie Keithley, Breckenridge Distillery’s Liquid Chef and massive Star Wars fan has come up with Jedi-worthy cocktails to celebrate Star Wars Day. So, as they say, “May the Fourth Be With You.” Cheers! OBI-WAN OLD FASHIONED Obi-Wan Old Fashioned 2-1/2oz Breckenridge Port Cask Finish 1/2oz raw simple
Sip Into Spring With 8 Cocktails from Breckenridge Distillery
Spring is officially here, and brunch is the perfect moment to practice your cocktail skills. Whether you’re hosting, planning a spring dinner party, or simply looking for seasonal cocktail inspiration, these spring cocktail recipes highlight the fresh flavors of the season. Featuring award‑winning spirits from Breckenridge Distillery, these cocktails balance bright citrus, floral notes, and smooth spirit finishes—making them ideal for everything from afternoon celebrations to post‑dinner sipping. Hop into the season with 8 seasonal cocktails from Liquid Chef Billie Keithley. Silly Rabbit made with Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Silly Rabbit
Meet Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant Executive Chef Diego Rotea
Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant is led by Executive Chef Diego Rotea, whose globally inspired, ingredient‑driven approach shapes the experience to the last bite. Whether stopping in for a refined mountain lunch, gathering for après sips & bites, or settling in for an elevated dinner, Chef Diego Rotea’s menus balance serious technique with playful creativity. Rooted in Colorado‑sourced ingredients and inspired by South American influence, Breckenridge Distillery’s award‑winning spirits shine through every detail—making the Restaurant a destination for relaxed daytime dining and memorable evenings alike. We caught up with Chef Diego Rotea
How to Après Anywhere, Anytime
A few years ago, Breckenridge Distillery established National Après Day as a celebration of one of life’s best rituals: unwinding after a day well spent. Rooted in mountain culture, après anywhere is about paying off the day’s adventures with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail or a whiskey enjoyed neat—taking a moment to relax, reconnect, and savor the experience. National Après Day can be celebrated anywhere and after anything, whether it’s skiing the Rockies, biking along Lake Shore Drive, surfing the coast, or simply enjoying a day out with family and friends.
9 Winter Adventure and Après Pairings from the Breckenridge Distillery
Contributed by Rachel Zerowin When the snow flies in Breckenridge, adventure abounds. And it goes WAY beyond skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re sliding down the mountain, pedaling on the trail or taking in the backcountry views, a great day outdoors calls for après with friends. These Adventure Pairings from Breckenridge Distillery are the perfect way to end a day. Snowboarding + Winter’s Bliss Snowboarding is winter bliss, so it’s no surprise that these two make the perfect pairing. Head out on the mountain with friends – we suggest Peak
Behind The Barrel: An Interview With Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt
Rooted in curiosity and shaped by hands‑on experience, this is the story of Breckenridge Distillery’s Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt – whose passion for fermentation grew from home-brewing experiments into a defining career at Breckenridge Distillery. With more than a decade in distilling and nearly as long at the distillery, his journey mirrors the evolution of the brand itself—hands‑on, experimental, and deeply rooted in craft. Working under the leadership of Breckenridge Distillery Founder Bryan Nolt, Stafsholt plays a key role in bringing Breckenridge’s award-winning and innovative, high‑altitude spirits to life. In
5 Ways To Taste Through Breckenridge Distillery
If you’re looking to taste your way through Breckenridge, a visit to Breckenridge Distillery belongs at the top of your list. As the world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery blends high‑altitude craftsmanship with award‑winning spirits, creative cocktails, and an elevated dining experience. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply exploring Breckenridge après‑ski activities, here are 5 ways to taste your way through Breckenridge Distillery. 1. Breckenridge Spirit Tastings, Neat One of the most popular experiences are the Breckenridge Distillery tours and complimentary tastings, hosted at the Airport Road production facility. These
Breckenridge Distillery’s February Release: Series Six, Sexy Motor Oil
On February 13th, things are getting ‘Sexy’ with the sixth release of Sexy Motor Oil. Series Six brings unique flavors of cherry, caramel, and cinnamon. As the story goes, Breckenridge Brewery took our freshly dumped Bourbon Whiskey barrels and aged their Imperial Oatmeal Stout in them. YUM! We took those barrels back and filled them with Bourbon Whiskey and aged it for over a year and we are calling this one, Sexy Motor Oil. For Series Six, we decided to do things a little differently. Rather than sending our used
36 Winter Cocktails You Can Make at Home
Winter chill is in the air and the snowflakes are flying. Are you ready for winter? Thankfully, we are here to keep you warm during those cold winter months with delicious winter cocktails…and, think beyond just warm drinks. Billie Keithley combined seasonal ingredients, home-made syrups and shrubs with our award-winning spirits. Stay warm with these 36 winter cocktails. AVY DOG Avy Dog 1 oz Breckenridge Mountain Shot 1 oz Breckenridge Espresso Vodka 1 oz half and half Fever Tree Distillers Cola Shake top 3 ingredients with ice. Strain and serve
