Six Years of Art, Whiskey & Community: The Story of Breckenridge Distillery’s Collectors Art Series
At Breckenridge Distillery, great whiskey has always been about more than what’s in the bottle. Since 2019, the Collectors Art Series has celebrated the connection between two crafts rooted in creativity: blending whiskey and creating art. What began as a bold collaboration with a Colorado muralist has grown into one of the Distillery’s most anticipated annual releases, pairing limited-edition whiskeys with original artwork from renowned artists while supporting creative communities along the way.
Over the past six releases, the Collectors Art Series has become a showcase of artistry, storytelling, and innovation, earning accolades including Campaign Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards, Best Blended Limited Release at the World Whiskies Awards, and multiple Gold and Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Collectors Art Series #1 (2019)
Thomas “Detour” Evans
The inaugural Collectors Art Series brought together Breckenridge Distillery Founder Bryan Nolt and Denver muralist Thomas “Detour” Evans. Known for his vibrant, larger-than-life portraits, Detour transformed a collection of whiskey barrels into a colorful mural installation displayed in the Distillery’s Grand Barrel Room. The project introduced the core idea that still defines the series today: the art of blending colors mirrors the art of blending whiskey.
The release established a platform where artists could tell their stories through both mural work and bottle design, creating a one-of-a-kind collector’s item for whiskey enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Collectors Art Series #2 (2022)
Alexandrea Pangburn – Cognac Cask Finish
After a brief covid-pause, the series returned in 2022 with Colorado artist Alexandrea Pangburn and a remarkable Cognac Cask Finish whiskey. The collaboration supported the RiNo ArtPark campaign, helping fund one of the Rocky Mountain region’s most innovative creative spaces.
The whiskey proved to be as memorable as the artwork. Finished in imported Cognac barrels that had previously aged French Cognac for decades, the release would later earn Best American Blended Limited Edition at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. Proceeds benefitting BabeWalls.
Collectors Art Series #3 (2023)
Sandra Fettingis – PX Naranja Cask Finish Whiskey
For its third release, Breckenridge Distillery partnered with Colorado artist Sandra Fettingis, whose vibrant geometric murals and public art installations brought a bold new visual identity to the series. Inspired by the flavors of the PX Naranja Cask Finish, Fettingis incorporated citrus-forward colors and wheat-inspired shapes into her design, creating a label that reflected both the artistry of blending and character of the dram. Proceeds benefit RedLine Contemporary Art Center.
Collectors Art Series #4 (2024)
Abby Wren – Sauternes Cask Finish
For the fourth release, Breckenridge Distillery partnered with Los Angeles artist Abby Wren, whose bold murals and message of inclusivity resonated deeply with the series. Inspired by her personal journey with alopecia, Wren’s artwork celebrated confidence, creativity, and self-expression through her message, “Different is Dope!”
The limited-edition Sauternes Cask Finish whiskey was paired with a striking mural in Denver’s RiNo Arts District and supported SOS Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering belonging, leadership, and outdoor access for young people.
Collectors Art Series #5 (2025)
Miles Toland – Calvados Cask Finish
In 2025, the fifth annual release featured muralist and painter Miles Toland. Known for immersive murals that explore the space between dreams and reality, Toland created artwork inspired by geometry, nature, and the unknown.
The whiskey itself was a limited-edition Calvados Cask Finish, bringing together Breckenridge’s award-winning blending expertise with the influence of French apple brandy barrels. The resulting release paired beautifully with Toland’s imaginative visual style, creating another memorable chapter in the series. Proceeds benefitting RiNo ArtPark.
Collectors Art Series #6 (2026)
Pat Milbery – Barbados Cask Finish
The newest addition to the series celebrates Colorado artist Pat Milbery, a muralist, creative entrepreneur, and former professional snowboarder whose work can be found across four continents. Known for his vibrant geometric imagery, nature-inspired designs, and iconic heart motif, Milbery’s art explores themes of gratitude, connection, community, and optimism.
For Series #6, Milbery collaborated with Breckenridge Distillery on a limited-edition Barbados Cask Finish whiskey, releasing September 15, 2026, exclusively at the Distillery and Main Street Tasting Rooms in Breckenridge, as well as Tony P’s Pizzeria in Denver. The whiskey showcases expressive notes of ripe banana, caramel, baking spice, cacao, and oak, while the artwork draws inspiration from the friendships, forests, mountain mornings, and community that make Breckenridge special.
Collectors Art Series Is More Than a Bottle…
From Thomas “Detour” Evans to Pat Milbery, throughout the years, every Collectors Art Series release has told a different story. Together, these collaborations have highlighted artists from across the country, supported nonprofits and creative spaces, and produced some of Breckenridge Distillery’s most celebrated limited-edition whiskeys.
What remains unchanged is the heart of the series: a belief that blending whiskey and creating art share a common pursuit of craftsmanship, passion, and human connection. Each release is a reminder that the best spirits, like the best art, have the power to bring people together.
Whether you’ve collected every bottle or are discovering the series for the first time, the Collectors Art Series stands as a celebration of the artists, makers, and communities that inspire us year after year.
Collectors Art Series #6 will be exclusively available at Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Rooms beginning September 15th. Limited availability!
