History

1350 Distilling is a veteran-, teacher-, and women-owned distillery in Colorado Springs, focusing on local ingredients and on making a difference in the local community through Angel Battalion and donations. They report having a Taste Lounge and HQ in Colorado Springs and distribution in Colorado, Arizona, and California, as well as the possibility for direct-to-consumer shipments to many states. The company emphasizes supporting veterans and the local community, noting a Grand Opening in 2019 as well as ongoing fundraising and donations through Angel Battalion.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery describes using Rocky Mountain water throughout the process and a unique Rocket Still. Mash bills for the bourbon products are nearly all corn, at 99 percent corn, and the bourbons are aged for about three years. Fleet Admirals Aged Rum, however, is aged in used Code Four and Guardian Bourbon barrels to achieve a specific finish. Blue Jacket Rum is produced from Louisiana molasses and Colorado sugar beets and is gluten-free. The production focuses on small batches and craftsmanship, with emphasis on local ingredients and a character-driven distilling process.

Products / Whisky Series

1350 Distilling has several whiskey-related products including:

• Code Four 115 Proof Cask Strength Straight Bourbon — single edition with 115 proof and 57.5% ABV. Aged three years and based on a mash of 99 percent corn. Has received Double Gold at The Fifty Best Bourbon 2022 and Gold at American Distilling Institute Bourbon 2024. Tasting notes include toffee, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla, and oak.
• Guardian Bourbon Coast Guard Edition – 80 proof, 40% ABV, three years old with 99 percent corn in the mash. Tasting notes include caramel, butterscotch, honey, vanilla, and citrus notes.
• Guardian Bourbon Space Force Edition – 80 proof, 40% ABV, three years old with 99 percent corn in the mash. Tasting notes are similar to the Coast Guard version, with caramel and vanilla and a balanced finish.
• Leatherneck Rye Whiskey – 90 proof, 45% ABV, three years old and rye-dominant. Tasting notes include caramel, nougat, ginger, and spices, with a bold and pleasant finish.
• Five Alarm Cinnamon Fire Bourbon – 80 proof, 40% ABV, three years old and 99 percent corn, infused with cinnamon. Notes of cinnamon and dried fruit as well as spices and a warm finish.

These products show that bourbons and rye are the main categories in their whiskey lineup. In addition, they also produce Wingman Gin and Minuteman Vodka, but these are not whiskey types.

Visits and Experiences

Taste Lounge and HQ offer tours and tastings every Saturday at 4:15 PM for 30 USD, including a tour and a Glencairn glass. Tickets can be purchased in advance. There is also the option to rent a Private Taste Room or the entire Taste Lounge for events, with prices starting around 200 USD for two hours and a 200 USD deposit. Add-ons include private tours, Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar, and Spirit Flight Tastings. Additionally they offer virtual tours and various events such as cigar and whiskey Wednesdays and men's market days. Outdoor patio with a gas-fired heater is available for events.

Philosophy and Community Involvement

1350 Distilling pledges to donate 10 percent of all profits to veteran and local charitable causes through Angel Battalion. Each quarter they focus on a nonprofit organization and donate a share of bottle sales along with information about the chosen organization. Among previously supported organizations are the Colorado Springs Firefighters Foundation, Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, and Mt. Carmel Veterans Services Center. The company uses the slogan Taste the Difference Make a Difference and emphasizes social impact through donations and events.

Address

1350 Distilling, 520 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.