“The owners really know how to make whisky, especially the peated – highly recommend.”
— TripAdvisor reviewer
This Colorado Peated Malt Whisky is our personal favorite
In fact, this is the whole reason we got into this business in the first place. And judges agree, we won Double Gold at the 2026 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition.
Spence hand selects and blends Colorado high country whiskies which are distilled in classic old-world style with peated barley imported from Scotland, aged 4 years in new American oak, then cut with water from the Holy Cross Wilderness. This Colorado Peated Malt whisky has a taste that is truly unique.
This bold whisky presents what we like to call “an approachable” peat. It has surprised many into rethinking their relationship with peated whisky. You simply have to try it and experience it for yourself.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep Amber
- Nose: Smoke, but also butterscotch and iodine
- Taste: Full mouthfeel, sweet caramel and slightly nutty toffee followed by earthy smoke
- Finish: Medium Smoke
SUGGESTED COCKTAILS: Smoked Manhattan, Bobby Burns.
WE DONATE 1% OF ALL REVENUE to the Eagle River Coalition to protect our home rivers.
Fact Sheet
Aged 4 years, in 53-gallon charred oak barrels at high-elevation in Colorado. This makes for faster aging since the whisky goes in and out of the wood more frequently due to our enormous swings in temperature.
- 100% Peated Malted Barley imported from Scotland
- 80 Proof
- Non Chill-Filtered
- 4+ years in new 53 gallon charred American Oak barrels
FAQ
What does that 95 represent?
It’s from the 2026 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition. For context, that same score went to Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye, Weller Full Proof, and Uncle Nearest 1856 and beat Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace Traveler Full Proof, WhistlePig Old World Rye 12 Year Old, Benchmark Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller 12 Year Old, Weller Special Reserve, plus many more.
For full results: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-awards/every-winner-from-the-north-american-bourbon-whiskey-competition-2026/
How should I drink this?
We always say you can drink our whisky however you like. But the way we drink this one is neat. Preferably in a wide mouth glass like a Glencairn or a rocks glass to let those beautiful peaty phenols come out and play. But whether you like it neat, with a splash of water or with an ice cube, this is a contemplative whisky that is best enjoyed slowly. You wouldn’t often put this level of single malt into a cocktail, but when we use it in our Smoked Manhattan, it is truly a stunner. Words can’t describe that one, you just have to taste it yourself.
Can I visit to try it before I buy?
Absolutely – and if you’re in the mountains we’d love to meet you! We love pouring free tastes and serving flights so you can compare these three whiskies head to head, sip to sip. Our Beaver Creek Speakeasy is open every day from 2–10pm at 136 E Thomas Place, Unit C7. We’re also available at our Minturn tasting room, The Wee Dram on Main Street, 2-9 pm Everyday
What size bottles are available?
Standard 750ml bottles are available online and in stores. We also offer the Pocket Water collection- a 200 ml adventure-ready smaller format featuring all three expressions, perfect for a ski day, a camping trip, or a gift.
Can you ship to my state?
We ship to most US states directly from our partners at Mash Networks on shop.minturnwhisky.com. Shipping availability varies by state due to alcohol regulations – you’ll see your options at checkout. Colorado residents can also find us at select local retailers.
The Fly on the Bottle
We’ve tucked a real fly fishing fly inside the tin closure of every bottle – because here in Minturn, fly fishing isn’t just a pastime; it’s part of life. Each fly is handcrafted and fully functional, designed to actually catch fish in our local waters, including the Eagle River.
This little fly represents more than just a nod to our mountain surroundings – it’s a symbol of connection. Connection to the wild rivers that carve through our valley, to the traditions of crafting something with care, and to the spirit of adventure that flows through everything we do.
So whether you use it on the river or keep it as a keepsake, know that this fly, like our whisky, is made to honor Minturn’s untamed beauty. Tight lines and smooth drams.
The Peated Whisky has an Adams May External Body Parachute size 16 made especially for us by Eagle River Outfitters.
Our Labels, A Nod to History
Our labels are based on color schemes we discovered while browsing transcontinental steamship passenger tickets from the early 1900s. For example, our Blended Malt label (above) is based on this steerage Passenger Contract for Passage on the Cunard Line Steamer RMS Ivernia, Departing Copenhagen to Minnesota, via Liverpool and Boston. Dated 11 March 1905.
