It's Official: The 1st Ever Colorado Spirits Trail is Now Open for Business

Colorado Spirits Trail - Colorado Distillers to Open States First Spirits Trail 2018

In a state whose official theme song is Rocky Mountain High, it only seems fitting that it should have an official Spirits Trail and now thanks to the 52 members of the Colorado Distillers Guild, they do. The Colorado Spirits Trail is now open statewide from the downtown asphalt streets of Denver to the snow covered mountain peaks of the Rockies. A map and complete list of participating distilleries is included below.

“Whether it’s enjoying a wheat whiskey finished with charred Aspen wood, a brandy distilled from locally grown fruit, or a barrel-aged gin finished with hops, there’s something for everyone on this trail,” said Colorado Distillers Guild President Sean Smiley, owner of State-38 Distilling. “Our distilleries embody the spirit of the West so you’ll see a lot of experimentation and a lot of great views, while having the chance to taste craft spirits.”

State-38 Distilling - Owner Sean Smiley giving a tour at the distillery — President of the Colorado Distillers Guild and Owner of State-38 Distilling Sean Smiley (left) gives a tour of his distillery.

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The Trail is one more sign of Colorado’s growth in the craft spirits industry. Just a decade ago there were five licensed distilleries in Colorado, today the number is close to a hundred. Membership of the Distillers Guild has also quadrupled over the last five years.

“We’ve seen how the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has driven tourism, and are starting to see other states embrace similar concepts,” said Smiley. “As the largest Distillers Guild in the country, and a state that already draws more than 77 million visitors a year, the Colorado Spirits Trail just seemed natural.”

Visitors who wish to explore colorful Colorado one distillery at a time can pick up a Trail map at a participating distillery, Denver International Airport or a Tourism information office. Distilleries on the Trail will stamp the map, which doubles as a passport, with a purchase of a cocktail or bottle. Once ten stamps are collected, visitors can hand the map in at Rising Sun Distillery, 330 Zuni St #J Denver, CO 80204, for an official Colorado Spirits Trail t-shirt.

The Colorado Distillers Guild

Colorado Distillers Guild - Guild Meeting Photo — Colorado Distillers Guild members.

The Colorado Distillers Guild is a non-profit association promoting the licensed distilling Industry in Colorado with over 50 members. It serves to educate the general public about Colorado distillers, and provides valuable information to its members regarding laws, provisions, directives and orders as may be made by the United States government, the State of Colorado, and the political subdivisions thereof serving the association.

Here’s a complete list of Colorado Spirits Trail distilleries.