Holiday Season
Breckenridge Distillery Elevates Gift Giving this
Winter moods invite us to sit back, relax and recall a day well spent. Nothing warms this mood like fine whiskey. Breckenridge Distillery blends small-batch, award-winning spirits that elevate an evening home in front of the fire or a gathering of friends on a weekend getaway.
The Rockies’ don’t just make for pretty postcards, the elevation impacts the distilling process to create rich whiskeys and spirits that are superb sipping blends as well as excellent foundation for numerous spirit forward cocktails.
“We’re getting snowmelt that’s filtered, with perfect minerality for our spirits,” says Billy Keithley, the “liquid chef” at Breckenridge Distillery. Keithley is fond of using locally foraged ingredients like pine sprigs when creating drinks. The whiskeys are also “beautiful sippers” when served neat.
Water makes the whiskey, especially in the Rockies where mineral-rich snowmelt adds texture and character. An avid angler, founder Bryan Nolt had finished casting on Mohawk Lakes when his musings grew as loud as the raven’s call.
“The light went off as I was walking down the trail,” recalls Nolt in a recent article. A collector of Scotch, he realized the same water that provides habitat for prize trout could form the foundation for great whiskey. The flight of Breckenridge Distillery was hatched. Ten years on, you can cast for a variety of outstanding blends to reflect the warmth of friendship and family this holiday season.
Here are some of our favorite whiskies and other spirits from 9,600 feet above sea level, the world’s highest distillery.
Breckenridge
Rum Cask Finish
Breckenridge
Whiskey Imperial Stout Cask
Bourbon Whiskey
86 proof
Port Cask Finish,
90 proof
Breckenridge
Spiced Whiskey
PX Sherry Cask Finish,
90 proof
Founded by a band of prospectors during the 1859 Rocky Mountain Gold Rush, Breckenridge glistens with Victorian charm. The holidays spark still more dazzle in this high alpine village, a time when outdoor adventures are complemented by toast-worthy gatherings within toasty environs. Having racked up enough gold medals to make I-70 neighbor Mikaela Shiffrin envious, let Breckenridge Distillery raise your gift-giving spirits this holiday season.
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
4 Winter Cocktails
Whiskey Mulled Wine
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Over low-med heat, add all ingredients. Stir to incorporate. Keep on this heat for 20 minutes. Then turn to low and cover for 30 minutes. Strain when you have the balance you like. Return to low heat and serve garnished with orange, cinnamon stick, star anise.
Batched, serves 6-7 guests
6 oz Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey (Buy Now)
1 bottle Cabernet
1 oz honey
1 oz Turbinado sugar
1 tbsp cardamom seeds, muddled
3 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
6 cloves
Peels from two oranges
1 lemon, sliced
2/4
Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish
The Founder’s favorite, this blend is finished in spiced rum barrels to create a prelude of candied apple and cinnamon followed by an encore featuring dark chocolate and cacao.
Breckenridge WhiskEy Imperial Stout Cask
A collaboration that captures the spirit of mountain living, this blend gathers essence from shared barrels with Breckenridge Brewery. Orange zest and chocolate back smooth caramel notes and a cinnamon spice finish. Think of it as a top to bottom last run on the slopes.
Bourbon Whiskey 86 proof
A day of outdoor adventure deserves a high-rye whiskey come evening. After chopping wood, traversing trails or punching a keyboard for that matter, settling in among the butterscotch, candied orange and apple aromas as dry cacao and brown sugar linger on your palate just feels right.
Port Cask Finish, 90 proof
A Tawny Port intones influence upon this Bourbon Whiskey in much the same way it has informed post-dinner conversation for centuries, a rich, spicy flair to conclude a sip or a statement. No repetitive dialogue here, each batch finished in a Tawny Port cask carries a “unique expression.”
Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey
American whiskey isn’t “bogged” down with “peaty” regulations. Breckenridge Distillery takes this innovative spirit seriously, they were named 2018 “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whiskey Icons of America. The Spiced Whiskey exemplifies this creativity, a perfect blend of rich cinnamon and allspice, caramel and vanilla to enjoy fireside after a day on the trails.
PX Sherry Cask Finish, 90 proof
The Pedro Ximenez (PX) grape produces one of Spain’s most lustrous dessert wines. Several retired PX barrels were acquired from the Andalusa province to provide casking for this exceptional Bourbon Whiskey. Complex flavors of fig, orange marmalade and licorice create a vibrantly piquant finish to invigorate the day, afternoon, and evening.
Breckenridge Gin
American-style gin is having a moment and, with a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Breck Gin is leading the charge. As full-bodied as fresh powder, the juniper leads 11 botanicals over an unparalleled taste terrain. Like the best ski runs, Breckenridge Gin demands a repeat performance.
Breckenridge Gin
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Fa, La, La, La Nog
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Shake all ingredients with ice. Served up.
Garnish: sprinkle of vanilla bean sugar.
2 oz Breckenridge Bourbon (Buy Now)
4 oz egg nog
1/2 oz vanilla liqueur
3 dashes walnut bitters
1/4
4 Winter Cocktails
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Rumcracker
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Shake first 3 ingredients with ice.
Strain and serve with crushed ice. Add bitters.
Garnish: cracked nuts
1-1/2 oz Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish (Buy Now)
3 oz chai
2 oz vanilla almond milk
2 dashes Fee Brothers Toasted Nut Bitters
3/4
4 Winter Cocktails
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Blood Orange Bliss
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Shake all ingredients with ice.
Strain and serve over crushed ice.
Garnish: blood orange slice and mint
1-1/2 oz Breckenridge Vodka (Buy Now)
1 oz blood orange juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
1/2 oz lime juice
1 dash cranberry bitters
4/4
4 Winter Cocktails
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Midnight Marauder
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Shake and serve in coup.
2 oz Breckenridge PX Sherry Cask Finish (Buy Now)
1 oz Breckenridge Bitter
1/2 oz cold brew coffee
1/2 oz allspice dram
1/2 oz lemon juice
2/3 oz vanilla bean simple syrup
4 dashes cranberry bitters
5/5
5 Winter Cocktails
*Vanilla bean simple syrup: Over heat combine equal parts water and sugar. Add 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste, stir until incorporated.
TO CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON
4 Winter Cocktails