The years just seem to get better and better for the Breckenridge Distillery. 2023 brought a year of growth as well as new partnerships and collaborations. Of course, the awards aren’t to be forgotten about, either.
So here it is, 2023 wrapped up in these top 10 moments.
1. World’s Best Blended Whiskey – Icons of Whisky 2023
Breckenridge Distillery is proud to announce the High Proof 105 Bourbon Whiskey has won World’s Best Blended Whiskey at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards in London, England. Breckenridge Distillery-exclusives Two Clans and Collectors Art Series took home Best American Blended Malt and Best American Blended (Limited Release), respectively.
“We’re honored to be recognized as having another World’s Best product, and I’m so happy for our team,” says Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Their passion and uncompromising commitment to quality make every day at Breckenridge such a joy! I’m so pleased with our entire spirits portfolio, and our staff deserve all the props.”
2. Breckenridge Distillery Wins Highest Honor at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Breckenridge Distillery celebrates four Double Gold wins for Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey, Breckenridge 105 High Proof, Breckenridge Two Clans and Breckenridge XO Cognac Finish at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition—the largest and most-prestigious spirits competition in the world.
“It’s an absolute honor to have four of our spirits recognized and awarded Double Gold at the prestigious World Spirits Competition.” says Bryan Nolt, founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “It’s an affirmation that our passion and dedication to creating exceptional bourbon is being noticed and appreciated by connoisseurs and experts in the industry. Our customers keep us motivated to continue to push the boundaries of blending bourbon and to deliver the best possible products.”
3. Breckenridge Distillery Announces Expanded Partnership with Denver Broncos
Back in 2021, Breckenridge Distillery announced its partnership with the Denver Broncos as the Official Bourbon of the team. Reaching new heights this year, the Breckenridge Distillery expanded the partnership to become the Official Vodka of the Denver Broncos. As a homage, the Distillery launched a limited-edition vodka commemorating the first white alternative Broncos helmet.
In addition to the Broncos Blizzard Vodka, Breckenridge Distillery and the Denver Broncos announced the first year of the Breckenridge Bourbon Club – an elevated, suite-level experience for members to sip and store exclusive Broncos Whiskey and Vodka, dine, and cheer on the home team.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Breckenridge Bourbon, as the official Hometown Bourbon of the Broncos, to this new hospitality space,” Chief Commercial Officer Dennis Moore said. “A local, Colorado favorite, we look forward to collaborating with Breckenridge Bourbon to offer an elevated gameday experience for our fans.”
4. The First-Ever National Après Day
2023 was also a year of new holidays. Breckenridge Distillery established the first-ever National Après Day on March 31st – a day dedicated to paying off the day’s adventures with a cocktail or a whiskey neat. National Après Day can be celebrated anywhere and after anything, from skiing in the Rockies to biking along Lake Shore Drive.
In addition to National Après Day, this year Breckenridge Distillery traveled coast-to-coast with a bottle of Breckenridge Bourbon to spread the #AprèsAnywhere message.
“We perfected our craft, so you can celebrate yours… [#AprèsAnywhere] inspires people to après their own craft, anything from BBQing to painting; or from creating music to adventuring with a glass of Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey ready to celebrate. You’ve earned it.”
5. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Wins Double Gold at NYISC
At this year’s New York Int’l Spirits Competition, Breckenridge Distillery won Double Gold (96-point award) for its Bourbon Whiskey and two Gold awards for the Collectors Art Series and Breckenridge Dark Arts at the New York International Spirits Competition. Additionally, Breckenridge Distillery was named 2023 Colorado Cask Finish Distillery of the Year, adding to the previous four wins.
6. Breckenridge Distillery Executive Chef Wins Heritage Fire Competition
Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant‘s Executive Chef Robbie Reyes welcomed a first place victory at Heritage Fire Competition this year. Bringing the heat to Snowmass, over 20 Colorado chefs entered this culinary experience that focuses on “education and delivering moments of culinary awakening.”
As a finalist, Robbie Reyes will be competing for the national title of the Heritage Fire Competition, hosted in Miami, kicking off February 2024.
7. Bandimere Speedway and Breckenridge Distillery Release Commemorative Whiskey
To celebrate Bandimere Speedway, Breckenridge Distillery released a Colorado-exclusive Reserve Blend to commemorate the occasion and went head-to-head with RNDC’s top performers from each division. The Dodge Challenger Drag Race was an opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ for their hard work on the Breckenridge Portfolio and support of the brand.
8. 2023 was a Year of Giving Back
Whiskey is always better when shared with loved ones, but Breckenridge Distillery wanted to spread the love further this year. Through events and whiskeys such as the Reserve Blend, Powder Hound Whiskey, or Collectors Art Series – Breckenridge Distillery was able to donate to multiple organizations such as C-RAD, The Summit Foundation, The Rescue 4 PTSD, PSIA-AASI, the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary Club, FIRC, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, RedLine Contemporary Art Center and RiNo Arts District – to name a few.
9. The Unofficial Record for the World’s Longest ShotSki
Breckenridge Distillery broke another World Record! At the 60th Annual Ullr Festival – a locally-loved Nordic festival dedicated to a snow-filled season – the Distillery hosted the World’s Longest Shotski with totals of 1,377 people, 495 Skis, and a length of 2,469 ft. This record beat the previous held by High West Distillery & Park City.
As the Breckenridge Distillery ShotSki Founder, Litch Polich says, “It’s my job to make sure we always break the current record and have fun doing it….the ShotSki is my ‘baby’ and every year we nurture and grow it a little bit more so that someday it will be the biggest and best it can be! PRAISE ULLR!”
10. Breckenridge Distillery Releases Collectors Art Series #3
After Collectors Art Series won Icons of Whisky: Best American Blended (Limited Release) and Double Gold at New York Int’l Spirits Competition this year, Breckenridge Distillery took it back to Summit County for the third edition of the release. Joining Denver Artist Sandra Fettingis, Breckenridge Distillery commissioned a mural at Bluebird Market in Silverthorne, CO to match the artwork from the PX Naranja Cask Whiskey.
2023 Honorable Mentions:
- Best of Summit 2023: Best Cocktail
- Breckenridge Distillery’s Liquid Chef Billie Keithley is celebrating 6 consecutive years of having the county’s best cocktail from the Best of Summit Awards. Visit Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant and try one of these creative libations.
- Breckenridge Distillery’s Dad Fest & first “Dad’s Stash” Blend with Flaviar
- In addition to getting Dad What He Really Wants this Father’s Day, Breckenridge Distillery hosted the first-ever ‘Dad Fest’ in June. Flaviar joined to host a “Dad’s Blending Lab” for the return of Dad’s Stash – a blend created by Dads: for Dads and Whiskey Lovers alike. Dad’s Stash was exclusive to Flaviar members with a small allocation released at this inaugural event. Dad Fest was hosted at the Airport Rd location and dedicated to workshopping Distillery experiences such as Blending Labs, Cocktail Walkthroughs, Tours, Tastings, and live music.
- Billie’s Cocktail Lab
- Breckenridge Distillery launched hundreds of Billie Keithley’s favorite cocktail recipes – separated by Spirit, Holiday, and Season. As the lab continuously grows, fans of Breck Spirits are able to craft their favorite cocktails with detailed instructions for any occasion.
- Sexy Motor Oil, Series Three
- A Breck-to-Breck and fan-favorite collaboration, the Distillery joined Breckenridge Brewery for the third release of Sexy Motor Oil in February ’23. Stay tuned for Series Four, released at Breckenridge Distillery tasting rooms this Valentine’s Day.
- The Stills Have Eyes: a Haunted Halloween ‘Spookeasy’
- For its second year, Breckenridge Distillery hosted local event in the Founder’s Lab and was filled with ghouls, goblins and crafted cocktails – all while benefitting the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre.
- A Special Shoutout to our ‘Content Creators’
- Thank you to our creators this year, including but not limited to: @fr33water, @labellaphotodenver, @buckedcreative, @vanziehartlieb, @jjyosh, @abbywrenartistry, @wadeholland, @smokeyjoesbarbecue, @thepublicworks, @sofarsounds, @blondeotter, @clynchphotos, and @rygr.us.
Take a step back in time to our 2019, 2020, and 2021’s best moments. Hope to see you all in 2024!
Learn more about the Breckenridge Distillery and our experiences.
