Though it’s a locally rooted craft distillery, Breckenridge has attracted major international attention. In 2021, it was ranked “Highly Commended” Icons of Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards for its visitor experience. The distillery’s products have been winning awards practically since day one; back in 2011, its bourbon received a gold medal from the IWSC, one of the toughest competitions in the world. Since then, Breckenridge has racked up dozens of golds, double golds, and more plaudits—proof that Nolt made the right decision when he set aside his medical career to make whiskey, though his science background hasn’t hurt.
“Flavor, nose, and mouthfeel are what drive all of our products,” he says. “When we’re going to start a new whiskey project, for example, we start with what we want it to taste like, what are going to be the defining features, and what we want that whole experience to be like. It always starts with the art, then we work our way back: That’s where the science kicks in, to figure out how to get there.”
Check out the top spirits in Breckenridge’s lineup of products, each encompassing a seamless balance of aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey, A Blend
Incorporating the Colorado distillery’s grain-to-glass bourbon with small amounts of bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, this 86-proof whiskey is blended in 20-barrel batches.
Breckenridge Port Cask Finish
“Port and bourbon go together like peanut butter and jelly,” Nolt says, and it’s true: The dried fruit flavors of the tawny port cask perfectly complement the whiskey’s high-rye spice.
Breckenridge PX Cask Finish
Building on the success of Port Cask Finish, this bourbon spends time in sweet PX sherry barrels, which enhance the underlying wood notes and add a dark fruit funk.