In 2018, the Breckenridge Distillery reached milestones celebrating its 10 year anniversary, winning notable awards, and expanding its production facility. As we reflect on what 2019 brought us, we have just as much to be thankful for. We are breaking down our top moments of 2019.
1. Named Colorado Distillery of the Year – New York International Spirits Competition
The Breck Distillery was named 2019 Colorado Whiskey Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition. The Breck Distillery received these accolades in 2013 and 2015. Additionally, they receiving the 2019 gold medal for their Breck Gin. The New York International Spirits Competition had over 600+ spirits from 14+ countries around the world.
2. Awarded Best American Blended: PX Sherry Cask Finish – World Whiskies Awards // Whisky Magazine
4-peat for Best American Blended. For the second year in a row, our PX Sherry Cask Finish was awarded gold for Best American Blended at the World Whiskies Awards in New York. Breckenridge Bourbon won Best American Blended in 2016 and the Port Cask Finish in 2017. The PX Sherry Cask Finish was released Sept. 2017. “It is very good, it has a great mouthfeel and the color is beautiful! The PX barrel really compliments the high rye bourbon spice.” ~Justin Sloan, The Bourbon Review.
3. Breck Gin takes home Double Gold – Sunset International Spirits Competition
In November, the Distillery’s Breck Gin was awarded Double Gold, 94 points at the 2019 Sunset International Spirits Competition. SUNSET Magazine is the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle and makes its winning spirits part of the most influential spirit program in the country. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel was awarded Gold, 92 points.
4. Breck Distillery re-releases Powder Hound Whiskey – Batch 4
The Powder Hound is an exceptional, top of the line bourbon. Released in batches, batch 1-3 was a blend of bourbons from the oldest barrels in our library. In November, they released Batch 4. Batch 4 brings a very special Distiller’s Blend inspired by our Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt. Learn more here.
5. Breck Distillery launches first Collectors Art Series
On July 30, 2019, Breckenridge Distillery embarked upon a unique collaboration: its inaugural Collectors Art Series, which illustrates the art of blending whiskey through the art of blending color. Denver- based muralist Thomas “Detour” Evans created a “whiskey barrel mural” on 10 Breckenridge Distillery barrels to illuminate a unique blend of these two crafts for both art and whiskey enthusiasts to enjoy. Find a bottle of this limited edition, 100% grain to bottle whiskey here.
6. Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant Wins Best Cocktail in Summit
Voted on by Summit County locals, Breck Distillery was awarded Best Cocktail in Summit County for the second year in a row. In 2018, the Distillery won Best Restaurant in Breckenridge and Best Cocktail in Summit County. Huge thanks to all of our whiskey fans out there. And if you haven’t visited us before, we invite you to enjoy a world-class dining experience.
7. Battle for the World’s Longest Shot Ski ® Continues
Still in its eighth year, the shot ski has reached extraordinary lengths. In Jan. 2019, Breckenridge broke the record for the World’s Longest Shot Ski at a whopping length of 2,303′, 1,299 participants, and 433 skis. Park City answered back this past fall, breaking our record. But for the first time in Ullr history, Breckenridge celebrated Ullr Fest twice in one year. Ullr Fest, normally celebrated in January, was moved to December. And, we broke the record yet again with 1,320 participants. As we say, ‘Park City, bring it on in 2020!’ The 2020 Shot Ski will happen mid-Dec. P: Louie Traub
8. Breck Distillery Donates over $7,000 to the Frisco Animal Shelter
After releasing their Powder Hound Whiskey in 2018 and donating $5 from every purchase to the Frisco Animal Shelter, Breck Distillery proudly presented a check this past summer from Batches 1-3 sales for $7,315. This year with the release of Batch 4, they are teaming up with the Frisco Animal Shelter again to donate $5 from each bottle sale to the shelter. These funds are used to treat animals so they can be ready for a fresh start and new home.
9. Flaviar Members Visit Breck Distillery for the Ultimate Blending Battle
Breckenridge Distillery welcomed Flaviar members to the bustling ski town of Breckenridge for an epic blending event. Bryan Nolt, Founder; and Hans Stafsholt, Head Distiller, battled for the best blend with the help of Flaviar Members. Who won for best blend? Read more here.
