2022 was another exciting year for Breckenridge Distillery. We kicked it off with huge awards from the World Whiskies Awards and ended it by breaking a World record. We’ve rounded out the year with these top moments. We can’t thank our visitors and fans enough for their support. Cheers to 2023 from your friends in booze!
Broncos Bourbon Blend Won Best American Blended and Icons of Whisky
The Broncos Bourbon Blends was awarded Best American Blended for a limited-release and Icons of Whisky for Campaign Innovator of the Year (Highly Commended) at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine. In Aug. 2021, we proudly announced that Breckenridge Bourbon became the Official Bourbon of the Denver Broncos. In honor of our partnership with the Denver Broncos, Breckenridge Distillery released the second series of the Broncos Bourbon Blends created by alumni legends Jake Plummer and Karl Mecklenburg. Series 2, the Mile High Blend, honors the 60th Anniversary of the 1962 2nd Generation Broncos logo. They are exclusively sold in Colorado only.
Breckenridge Gin and PX Sherry Cask Finish Won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
In April 2022, Breckenridge Distillery was awarded two Double Gold and one gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the largest spirits competition in the world. With approximately 5,000 spirits submitted for evaluation, a total of 70 judges from around the world awarded Double Gold medals to both Breckenridge Gin and Breckenridge PX Sherry Cask Finish and Gold to Breckenridge Port Cask Finish.
“My goal when I started the distillery was to make whiskey I liked to drink,” says Bryan Nolt, founder, and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Nearly 14 years later, we’re making a wide range of spirits that appeal to a wide range of palates and are being awarded internationally with honors like Double Gold and Gold. It’s a huge honor to be recognized on a global stage by some of the most coveted industry experts.”
Men’s Journal named Breckenridge Distillery as One of the Best Distilleries in the U.S. to Visit
In 2021, Breckenridge Distillery was named as one of the country’s top Visitor Attractions at the World Whiskies Awards. So, it was no surprise to see Men’s Journal pick Breckenridge Distillery as of the Best Distilleries in the nation. A visit to the distillery will take you on a journey through the sense. Explore everything there is to experience at Breckenridge Distillery. Read more from Men’s Journal.
Breckenridge Powder Hound Whiskey Won Best American Blended at the World Whiskies Awards
Powder Hound Whiskey was released in 2018 and is a Distiller’s Blend inspired by our Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt. Its name comes from our love for dogs but shares meaning with the reason we all live here, Colorado powder days. In 2018, we teamed up with the Frisco Animal Shelter to donate $5 from each bottle sale. From 2018 to Nov. 2022, we raised over $25,000. In Dec. 2022, we announced a new recipient of the proceeds from Powder Hound, the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment Dogs. Powder Hound Whiskey is exclusively sold at the Breckenridge Distillery and Main Street Tasting Room.
Forbes Named Breckenridge Gin as Best Gin for Winter Camping
Forbes.com listed their top 10 picks for best spirits and boozy beverages for winter camping. Breckenridge Gin takes the top spot for Best Gins. The botanicals inspired by the mountains captured the writer. “You get all of the traditional botanicals, but mixed in with Rocky Mountain water.” Read more for Forbes.com.
Breckenridge Distillery Raised $6,500 for Denver ‘s RiNo ArtPark from Collectors Art Series
We released Series 2 of the Collectors Art Series featuring the work of Denver graffiti artist, Alexandrea Pangburn, a Kentucky native turned Colorado artist. The XO Cognac Finish Whiskey bottle featured elements of flora and fauna, her main source of inspiration for all of her art.
$5 from every bottle sale benefited the RiNo ArtPark. We will be presenting a check of the proceeds early 2023 in the amount of $6,500. The first series of the Collectors Art Series was the 2020 winner of Icons of Whisky for Campaign Innovator of the Year and won Gold for taste at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Breckenridge Distillery Broke the Record for the World’s Longest Shot Ski at Ullr Fest
Breckenridge Distillery broke (another) unofficial World Record for the Longest Shot Ski this year at Ullr Fest in Breckenridge Colorado. 1350 people simultaneously took a shot of #BroncosBourbon to break the record This record was previously held by Park City. The official numbers are: 1350 people, 468 skis, and 2401 feet.
Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant Won Best of Summit, Best Cocktail
While Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant is usually known for award-winning spirits, this year’s Best of Summit awards proved our spirits can be sipped in more ways than just neat! This is the 5th consecutive Best Cocktail in Summit Award for Liquid Chef Billie Keithley . She continues to deliver, serving the famed Obi-Wan Old Fashioned as well has countless other hand-crafted cocktails, impressing guests around the world.
Check out some of our top moments over the years including awards, releases, donations, anniversaries and more. Cheers to 2023 and what is still to come from this craft distillery located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
