Call us concited but the years just seem to get better and better for the Breckenridge Distillery. 2021 brought a year of growth, change and new partnerships. Of course, we can’t forget more awards too. So, here it is, 2021 wrapped up in these top 10 moments.
1. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey Named Hometown Bourbon of the Denver Broncos
In Aug. 2021, we proudly announced that Breckenridge Bourbon became the official Hometown Bourbon of the Denver Broncos. In honor of the new partnership, the Breckenridge Distillery, in collaboration with the Denver Broncos, released two new whiskey blends. The Broncos Bourbon Blends were created by alumni legends Jake Plummer and Reggie Rivers, two alumni cheerleaders and Broncos superfans The Broncos Brothers. Each adorned in Broncos colors, we asked the public to vote on which blend they thought led the charge in flavor and balance.
2. Breckenridge Gin Wins World’s Best Gin
We were absolutely honored to have our Breckenridge Gin named World’s Best Gin at the Gin Awards by Gin Magazine. Our Gin is unique with a delicate harmony of 11 botanicals. This fragrant American-style Gin stays true to the Breckenridge ideals of mouthfeel and flavor, through maceration and botanical basket distillation. It’s a full-body juniper lies at the forefront, bright citrus and complementary undertones of spice give a nod to the beauty that’s created when flowery aromas meet comforting spices. Get Breckenridge Gin shipped straight to your door. Order Now.
3. Billie Keithley, Breckenridge Distillery Liquid Chef, Wins Bar Manager of the Year from 2021 Icons of Whisky
Billie Keithley, 27 year veteran to the bar industry and mastermind behind the bar, is paving the way for women behind the bar. In Feb. 2020, she was named America’s Icons of Whisky for Bar Manager of the Year. Billie’s credo is “If it’s edible, I can make a cocktail out of it.”
“I was extremely surprised when I received the news that I was named America’s Best Bar Manager because there is so much talent and passion out there in the industry. Other than working with Breckenridge Distillery, this is the biggest work achievement ever in my life, so far. I’m always thinking about what I can do next to elevate the cocktail experience for our guests (everyone in the galaxy)! Ideas for cocktails are running through my brain eight days a week, I don’t sleep. I think to myself, ‘it has to be elevated.’ With every cocktail, I want to see the smiles on faces at the first sip. If not, I’m not doing it right. I thirst for more knowledge and I am not afraid to admit that I am still learning every day, ” said Keithley.
“I am grateful for the extraordinary team I have behind the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant Bar. It is their attention to detail, the art and passion for making cocktails and creating an extraordinary guest experience that has made this an award-winning bar and one that people consider a must-visit attraction.”
4. Breckenridge Distillery wins Highly Commended for Visitor Attraction of the Year from 2021 Icons of Whisky
We just over 250,000 annual visitors between our two locations. Our offerings venture beyond just whiskey tastings, we offer guests an immersive distillery experience. Our Main Street Tasting Room offers the perfect introduction to our spirits and brand while our main facility offers a more expansive experience. It houses an artistic and electric restaurant featuring a menu from Executive Chef Robbie Reyes, as well as our retail shop, tasting room and active production facility. It is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. In August 2020, we received our community’s Service Champion Award from the Breckenridge Tourism Office for our customer service and our efforts in supporting the community during the pandemic.
5. Breckenridge Distillery and Breckenridge Brewery Partner to Release Buddy Pass
Two iconic ski-town businesses, Breckenridge Brewery and Breckenridge Distillery teamed up to debut Buddy Pass, a unique barrel-exchange program. Buddy Pass is both a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout Beer and an Imperial Stout Cask Finish Whiskey that blends the best of these award-winning brands. Buddy Pass is now available at Colorado retailers. Series 2 to be released in 2021.
6. Breckenridge Vodka Wins Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Breckenridge Vodka won Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Notes of lemon cream and fragrant meadow flowers create our clean and brilliantly clear Vodka. A refreshingly light body is complimented by its soft, warm texture and balanced mellow finish, displaying just a hint of sweetness. Minerality of the Breckenridge water, used for blending and proofing, lends to the perfect mouthfeel. Our Vodka also took home gold at the SFWSC in 2014, along with a gold medal at the 2016 World Spirits Awards. Get Breckenridge Vodka shipped straight to your door. Order Now.
7. PX Sherry Cask Finish Wins 3rd Best American Blended Award at the World Whiskies Awards
This marks our 5th Best American Blended win by Whisky Magazine (2016 Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey and 2017 Port Cask Finish). Our PX Sherry Cask Finish is one of four wine cask finish whiskies that we have produced. Get PX Sherry Cask Finish shipped straight to your door. Order Now.
8. Breckenridge Distillery Named in the Top 9 Best Distilleries for Après by Men’s Journal
There’s no better way to warm up after a day on the slopes than with a little whiskey. With more offerings than ever before, Breckenridge Distillery is the perfect hub for après. So, belly up to the BDR bar, grab a free tasting or grab a bottle to take home and sip with friends. Read more from Men’s Journal.
9. Breckenridge Distillery Opens the Founder’s Lab
The Founder’s Lab is an immersive experience taking guests on a journey through senses. This interactive spirits lab allows guests to not only taste our award-winning spirits but the opportunity to delve behind the scenes of spirit production and aging while thieving directly from barrels, blending their own bottles and sampling paired bites from our award-winning kitchen and producer partners. While blending, tasting and learning, guests can take a peek into our active production facility including our 42-foot column still. Book an experience.
10. Breckenridge Distillery Finds New Ownership with Tilray
In Dec. 2021, global cannabis company Tilray acquired Breckenridge Distillery. This exciting new merger will open the doors to new partnerships, expanded spirits offerings and larger distribution footprints across the country.
“We see tremendous potential for Breckenridge and our existing Sweetwater brand to complement each other, expanding their respective reach and driving further profitable growth in our beverage alcohol segment,” said Irwin D Simon, Tilray chairman and CEO.
Additional 2021 Awards:
- Rum Cask Finish receives 95 points at the New York Int’l Spirits Competition
- Port Cask Finish and 105 High Proof wins gold at the Sunset Int’l Spirits Competition
- Breckenridge Dark Arts receives 94 points at New York Int’l Spirits Competition
- Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant wins 4th consecutive 1st place medal for Best Cocktail in Summit at Best of Summit Awards
Take a step back in time to our 2018, 2019 and 2020 best moments. Hope to see you all in 2022! Learn more about the Breckenridge Distillery and our experiences.
