Written by Julie Howsmon for Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Stray outside of Main Street Breckenridge and you’ll find a curious corner of town home to Breckenridge Distillery. A warehouse turned modern eatery and distilling mecca, Breckenridge Distillery’s spirits flow abundantly throughout Breckenridge and beyond. But the real experience is to pay a special visit to the distillery’s high-end stronghold on Airport Road for an exquisite culinary and libation immersion. Breck Distillery’s primary location exudes an elevated level of sophistication fit for city critics yet charming enough to appeal to a laid back mountain crowd.
Noteworthy Beginnings
Some of us set out knowing what we want to do in life, while others seem to stumble through a myriad of careers to land on success fueled by passion. For Bryan Nolt, founder of Breckenridge Distillery, he seems to have found both. Bryan discovered a passion for spirits through his whiskey club. After returning from a trip to Scotland, it seemed no bottle was a match for the high-end whiskeys and bourbons he delighted in overseas.
And so, Breckenridge Distillery was born.
Doctor turned distiller, the founder of Breckenridge Distillery continues a side practice in radiology while running a full-fledged distilling and restaurant business.
The Spirits
Breckenridge Distillery aims to please the crowds with a line of over 20 distilled products on any given month. Their production elicits divine spirits made with local Colorado ingredients when possible. That pear vodka in your martini? Crafted with pears from down the road in Palisade. Need to perk up for the evening? Take a spin on a White Russian with an espresso vodka infused with Colorado coffee beans.
For those who don’t want straight whiskey, dabbling with the wine cask whiskey line may open up your palette. The Breckenridge Whiskey PX Cask Finish employs retired Pedro Ximenez grape barrels to imbue notes of orange marmalade, licorice and fig preserves into every sip for a unique blend even whiskey naysayers can’t turn down.
The most popular choices? Tinker with the Distillery’s famous and award-winning Breck Bourbon, smooth vodka or piney gin.
Production
True quality is at the core of production. Among the top 15 craft distilleries in the United States, Breckenridge Distillery is the only player to remain privately owned and in control of every production component on-site.
All barrels are aged on-site; some for 11 years, some just 5 days. Everything distributed across the country and around the world is bottled on-site. Aside from marking the Distillery’s 10 year anniversary, 2018 was a noteworthy year in which the Distillery expanded its production facility to accommodate 10x more production.
More than 20 distilled products are distributed to 49 states and across international borders to the UK, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand, among others.
While 95% of the spirits are available across the country, a select few are only available in Breck. Stop by their primary location on Airport Road or the tasting room next to Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties’ Breckenridge office at the Riverwalk Center to learn more about exclusive Summit County bottles.
Small Town, Big Reach
After just 3 years in business, Breck Distillery showed up strong on the distilling scene. Competing against the globe’s top dogs in the fine spirits industry, Breckenridge Distillery claimed 2011 Bourbon of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, Best American Blended at the World Whiskies Awards (four times), and was dubbed Icons of Whisky for Brand Innovator in 2018 at the World Whiskies Awards.
If the awards don’t speak for the product, perhaps the cocktails will…
Impeccably designed cocktails created by liquid chef Billie Keithley are the M.O. of Breckenridge Distillery. Warm up with the Smoking Cocoa – a blend of Breckenridge Chili and Espresso Vodkas and indulgent hot cocoa with honey whipped cream and a dollup of Nutella. Too sweet? Gravitate towards a more simple concoction, the Genever Juice teasing whiffs of rosemary and lemon to bring the Breckenridge Gin full-circle. With a nod to Star Wars, the Obi Wan Old Fashioned is made with Port Cask Finish Whiskey is a best selling spirit-forward drink, that very well represents the Distillery. Don’t miss: the show stopping Barrel-smoked cocktail. Trust us.
The Restaurant
Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant brings unique flavors and good company together in a relaxed mountain setting. Inspired by American culinary heritage, our flavors are big and bold and showcase a contemporary steakhouse atmosphere. Breckenridge Distillery welcomed Executive Chef Robbie Reyes June 2021. Our goal is to give people local, seasonal and approachable dishes that impart not only the fantastic spirits of Breckenridge Distillery but also our upscale mountain dining experience.
In the Spirit of Community
A small town like Breckenridge implies a ready-made network of locals, retailers, restaurateurs and neighbors. The distillery plays a fully-immersed role in the Summit County community; partnering with local breweries and donating barrels to brew in. Breckenridge Distillery is home to year-round local events ranging from Crafts & Cocktails, the Haunted Halloween Spookeasy, and Dad Fest for Father’s Day.
On your way out…
Be sure to stop by the gift shop for Breckenridge Distillery spirits, relics, candles in glass cut spirits bottles and a complimentary tasting from Breck’s finest.
Pay a visit
Complimentary shuttle: 970.445.8613
Shuttle Hours: Weds-Sun 2 pm – 8 pm
Tours: Saturdays and Sundays 12, 2, 4pm*
*Last tour at 5:30 pm
Breckenridge Distillery (and Restaurant)
1925 Airport Road
Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge Distillery: Tasting Room
137 S. Main Street
Breckenridge, CO
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