For owner Bryan Nolt, finding the best distiller possible for Breckenridge meant going back to school. While taking a class at the American Distilling Institute, Bryan met master distiller Jordan Via. Jordan is well known amongst the artisanal distilling community – as the distilling instructor at the Institute, he’s trained most of them. At Breckenridge, Jordan applies a purist, traditional approach to distillation. His handcrafted, small-batch spirits are made using a Vendome custom copper pot still and premium ingredients – no shortcuts or additives are allowed. Jordan attributes the unique taste profile of Breckenridge to the water. The distillery, situated at 9,600 feet above sea level, is the highest in the world. Massive snow fall and the glaciers atop Mt. Quandary, a 14,000 foot peak, provide pristine water with a unique ph balance which lends a distinctive flavor and texture. Says Jordan, “You just can’t underestimate the importance of the water in any spirit…it accounts for geater than half the volume”. To maintain its integrity, the water is not filtered for the vodka and only slightly filtered for the whiskey.

Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 96 points (Mar 2012) Lustrous copper color. Splendidly lush cornmeal, English toffee, coffee bean and corn oil scents headline the aromatic phase. Multilayered flavor profile is rife with buttered popcorn and brown butter notes that last well into the robust finish.

Technical notes

43% alcohol