Production places
Connections to water sources, peat places, maltings, cooperages, warehouses and maturation sites. Uncertain connections are labelled.
No documented production places are linked to this distillery yet.
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company
About the Distillery
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company is a Vail-based distillery in Colorado that combines small-batch craftsmanship with a strong local profile. The distillery honors the heritage of the 10th Mountain Division, focuses on local ingredients and environmentally friendly initiatives, and produces a wide range of spirits including bourbon, rye, American single malt, potato vodka, brandy, cordials, and moonshine. High-altitude aging methods and award-winning editions are core elements of their approach.
History
The Heritage of the 10th Mountain Division
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit ties its identity to the 10th Mountain Division, uniting this military and local heritage with distilling in Vail, Colorado. The story is built on an intention to honor the division's values through distilling in smaller series and by supporting veterans and local initiatives. Since the company established production, it has focused on small-batch quality, community engagement, and awards in American spirits competitions.
Raw Materials and Production
Production centers on small-batch craftsmanship with a focus on locally sourced ingredients from Colorado. The distillery's team of distillers leads the process from fermentation to distillation with hands-on control to ensure consistency and quality. The working methods are described as a blend of classical distilling principles and modern, innovative techniques. The range includes classic American spirit types such as bourbon and rye as well as American single malt, potato vodka, brandy, cordials, and moonshine. Each product line is produced with attention to the origin of the ingredients and small-batch formats, allowing fine-tuning of flavor and quality from batch to batch.
Maturation and Barrel Types
The maturation strategy leverages the high-altitude environment in Colorado and includes experiments with finishes that have previously contained maple syrup. These special finishes are used alongside traditional barrels to add extra complexity to multiple products. The high altitude affects ageing conditions, and the interplay between barrel type and climate is a deliberate element in product development.
Whiskeys
The range spans broadly: bourbon and rye form the cornerstones along with an American single malt. In addition to whiskey, they also produce potato vodka, brandy, cordials, and moonshine, as well as smaller bottle sizes. The products are marketed as small-batch and artisanal, and the distillery notes that several of their spirits have won awards in competitions. The range is presented both in the distillery's own tasting rooms and via an online shop, so locals and visitors can purchase the full line.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | Bourbon | The distillery's bourbon is praised by customers for its sweetness from corn mash, balance, and accessibility neat and in cocktails. Nose: customers describe a classic bourbon sweetness and notes of roasted grain and oak. Taste: feedback notes body from corn mash and a light toasty oak character. | Current; Core Range |
| Rye Whiskey | Rye | Rye whiskey earns praise for its balance between spice and a soft, inviting finish, and has found a steady place on shelves of local customers. Nose: customers mention pronounced spice on the nose and balsamic notes. Taste: described as spicy with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. | Current; Core Range |
| American Single Malt Whiskey | Single Malt | Current; Core Range | |
| Potato Vodka | Vodka | The distillery's potato vodka is noted by loyal customers for its smoothness and drinkability. Tasting: customers highlight a smooth, clean character and high quality. | Current; Core Range |
| Brandy | Brandy | Current; Core Range | |
| Cordial | Cordial | Current; Core Range | |
| Moonshine | Moonshine | Current; Core Range |
Whiskey Style and Flavor Profile
Across customer testimonials and product descriptions, certain flavor directions recur: a clear sweetness from corn mash in bourbon, roasted oak notes in bourbons, and a spicy, pronounced rye character. There are also subtle vanilla notes and a smooth, clean profile for potato vodka, giving a versatile yet recognizable expression across the range.
Visiting the Distillery
The distillery warmly welcomes visitors at two tasting locations: a Distillery Tasting Room and a Vail Village Tasting Room, both offering curated tasting experiences. In addition to the physical tastings, they host events, virtual tastings, and special programs such as Fantasy Whiskey Camp. There is also a shop attached to the tasting experiences, so guests can purchase bottles and merchandise on-site.
Philosophy and Craft
The company's values combine respect for history with modern craftsmanship: honoring the 10th Mountain Division, working in small batches, prioritizing local ingredients, and seeking to unite tradition with innovation. There is also a clear commitment to the community, with support for veterans and environmentally friendly initiatives.
Sustainability
Focus on eco-friendly practices.
Support for local community initiatives.
Awards and Recognitions
- 98 Points - Double Gold (Double Gold / 98 Points)