Perhaps it’s a sign of changing times when Whistling Hare Distillery is full on a Thursday evening, while the brewery next door has empty tables. Craft spirits, both wineries and distilleries, are part of a burgeoning industry across the country, and Colorado is no exception. Ranked number four in the number of craft breweries in the US, Colorado is also ranked fourth in the number of craft distilleries.
Sandy Harrison, Distillery Manager, has been with Whistling Hare Distillery for more than four years, working with the second ownership group of the business. The spirit lineup is basic with Bourbon, Vodka, Gin and Rum, and plans to release a Rye whiskey next fall. But with simplicity comes greater attention to the distilling process.
Whistling Hare’s flagship product, Blue Corn Bourbon, has a unique mash bill with 60% blue corn grown by the Ute Mountain Tribe in Cortez, Colorado, 20% unmalted Rye and an heirloom purple barley. The wort is distilled twice in a pot still before entering the barrels at 114 proof.
Full size, 53 gallon barrels are used for aging. Harrison says they have experimented with different char levels of the white oak barrels, finding the lighter char produces a better product.
The Blue Corn Bourbon typically ages for two to three years. Harrison said it’s a balance between quality and revenue. While they would love to age the spirit longer, time in the barrel prolongs generating much needed revenue.
Colorado’s craft distilleries are very young in a mature industry that requires time to develop great products. Young distilleries start out producing clear spirits like gin, vodka and rum. The spirits can be bottled and sold right off the still, generating the income needed to keep the doors open. But the goal is to produce a barrel aged whiskey. The aging process in charred white oak barrels gives the liquor it’s caramel color and depth in flavor. It’s a process that can’t be rushed.
Down the road, Whistling Hare Distillery is planning to move locations further south, giving them the ability to greatly increase production. Currently they age 25 to 30 barrels of whiskey on site each year, selling about 300 cases annually. With the move and growth in mind, Harrison says they could increase production to 5,000 cases or more each year.
Whistling Hare Distillery has a great lineup of craft spirits. The product line, plus tastings and cocktails, can be purchased at the Distillery. Bottles can also be purchased at a few of the larger liquor stores. Bevy’s Liquor World, Total Beverage and Daveco Liquors all carry the line.
