FROM WATER TO WINE
In the heart of Colorado, where rugged peaks meet sprawling vineyards, two friends and pioneers of craft have come together for a unique collaboration. Breckenridge Distillery’s award-winning high-rye bourbon mash, aged for three years in charred New American oak, takes its final grooming in Carboy Winery’s Cabernet Franc casks. This process elevates the rich bourbon with the nuanced complexities of Colorado’s finest wines, creating a harmonious and unforgettable experience for the palate.
THE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP
The friendship between Carboy Winery and Breckenridge Distillery began long before Carboy’s founding in 2016. For this partnership, Director of Winemaking Tyzok Wharton and Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt aimed to craft a spirit that tells a story—one of their love for Colorado-born libations to the palate of the glass holder.
BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Breckenridge Distillery is renowned for producing award-winning whiskey blended with water from the Rocky Mountains. Since 2008, the distillery has experimented with various cask finishes, including Port, PX Sherry, Sauternes, Madeira and Rum. Their Port Cask Finish was named World’s Best Finished Bourbon in 2024 by the World Whiskies Awards and won Double Gold (96 PTS) at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The PX Sherry Cask Finish has been awarded Best American Blended 3 times by the World Whiskies Awards and won a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades are a testament to the craftsmanship of Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt and Founder & CEO Bryan Nolt.
CARBOY WINERY: INNOVATORS IN WINEMAKING
Carboy Winery, Colorado’s largest wine producer, has been putting the state on the national map as a wine region on the rise with its innovative and adventurous approach to winemaking. Carboy crafts impactful wines that reveal the extraordinary terroir, and unmistakable typicity of Colorado’s Grand Valley.
THE GRAPES
The Cabernet Franc grape variety is responsible for creating some of the best wines in the world, often distinguished by its unique aromas of bell pepper, tobacco, and spice, which accompany its assertive berry fruit flavors. Carboy’s Colorado-grown Cabernet Franc is one of the most popular and celebrated grape varietals.
The 2022 Grand Valley Cabernet Franc was harvested in late September to early October and aged gracefully for 19 months in Hungarian oak casks. This aging process softened the wine, leading to a smooth texture and a perfect balance between fruit and earth tones.
THE PROCESS
For this collaboration, Carboy Winery provided eight barrels to Breckenridge Distillery almost immediately after dumping them. The wine-soaked wood grain of the barrels imparts amazing nuances and complex wine flavors into the bourbon, offering a completely unique experience for both wine connoisseurs and whiskey aficionados.
CABERNET FRANC FINISH WHISKEY: BOTTLED AT 98PF
Tannic cherry and light raspberry nose with a subtle background of caramel sweetness fronts a palate of cherry leading to finish of capsaicin with a dry oak and spicy wine finish.
Can’t Wait? Join Carboy Winery & Breckenridge Distillery at the 8th Annual Harvest Party on October 19th in Littleton, CO! Featuring wine & spirits, live music, bites, and more.
Click here to purchase tickets
The limited-edition Cabernet Franc will be exclusively available at Breckenridge Distillery starting October 11 and Carboy’s Tasting Rooms October 19. Stop by and treat your tastebuds this season.
Visit a location close to you:
Breckenridge Distillery
1925 Airport Road
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Breckenridge Distillery Main Street Tasting Room
137 S. Main Street
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Carboy Winery Denver
400 E 7th Ave
Denver, CO 80203
Carboy Winery Littleton
6885 S Santa Fe Dr
Littleton, CO 80120
Carboy Winery Breckenridge
103 S Main Street
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate
3572 G Road
Palisade, CO 81526
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