Whiskey Wanderlust: The Colorado Spirits Expedition

Cory Comer & Ryan Hall
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Food
  • Updated Monthly

This is Whiskey Wanderlust, and we're on an expedition to discover how Colorado is elevating craft spirits from grain to glass. We bring whiskey explorers like you an inside look at the distilled stories, colorful characters, and rich flavors that make Colorado a true whiskey frontier. So, pour yourself a dram and join us on an unforgettable journey.

  1. 04/22/2025

    06: Root Shoot Malting — "We wear lots of flannel." Deep Roots & Bold Malts with Todd & Emily Olander

    📍 In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we head to Loveland, Colorado, to explore Root Shoot Malting—a fifth-generation family farm transforming Colorado-grown grains into award-winning spirits. Join us as we sit down with Todd and Emily Olander, the husband-wife duo behind Root Shoot, to hear how they built one of the state's most innovative craft malting operations. From preserving the family legacy and terroir to brewing partnerships and whiskey-tasting notes, it's a grain-to-glass story you won't want to miss. On This Episode 1️⃣ What it means to be a "grain-to-glass" malting company in Colorado 2️⃣ How Root Shoot transitioned from commodity grains to specialty heritage grains 3️⃣ A behind-the-scenes look at their malting floor and facility 4️⃣ The story behind their new Bonded American Single Malt whiskey 5️⃣ How Root Shoot supports veterans and conservation projects through community brewing 👍 Like what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and drop us a comment! Which local farm-to-glass whiskey do you love most? 📍Visit Root Shoot in Loveland, CO, or find them on the map at rootshootspirits.com This Episode's Tasting 🥃 Root Shoot Spirits – Batch Two American Single Malt (Bonded) Additional Viewing ▶️ Watch the full tour on YouTube

    06: Root Shoot Malting — "We wear lots of flannel." Deep Roots & Bold Malts with Todd & Emily Olander

  2. 02/26/2025

    04B: Bootleg Interview with Al Laws, Founder of Laws Whiskey House — Bringing the Whiskey Sanctuary to Life

    📍 In this Bootleg Episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we sit down with Al Laws, the founder of Laws Whiskey House, for an unexpected, no-holds-barred conversation about the creation of their new tasting room—the Whiskey Sanctuary. 🥃 What started as a quick chat turned into a 40-minute deep dive into the vision, challenges, and whiskey philosophy that makes Laws one of Colorado’s most respected distilleries. On This Episode: 🔹 How five years of permitting and two years of construction turned into one of Denver’s most impressive whiskey destinations. 🔹 The custom 250-pound staircase that caused months of delays (and why it was worth it). 🔹 The CU Athletics whiskey collaborations—including Ralphie’s Reserve and Black & Gold Bourbon. 🔹 The "No Shortcuts" philosophy—why Laws refuses to rush aging or source whiskey. 🔹 The evolution of Laws' whiskey blending process, from Cognac finishes to their custom French blending tank.

  3. 02/12/2025

    04: Laws Whiskey - "There are no shortcuts." Creating great American Whiskey with Casey Rizzo & Sam Poirier

    📍 In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we visit Laws Whiskey House in Denver, where whiskey is crafted with patience, precision, and purpose. Hosts Cory and Ryan sit down with Casey Rizzo and Sam Poirier to discuss how Laws built its reputation with an unwavering commitment to quality and their ethos of “No Shortcuts.” From sourcing heirloom grains from local Colorado farms to their meticulous distillation and aging processes, Laws is defining what true grain-to-glass whiskey means. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at The Whiskey Sanctuary, their brand-new tasting room experience. Highlights from this episode: 🥃 How Laws Whiskey House grew into a powerhouse in Colorado’s whiskey scene. 🌾 Why their whiskey starts with Colorado-grown heirloom grains. ⏳ The role of patience in whiskey-making and why Laws never rushes the process. 🤝 Their collaborative approach to distilling—no Master Distiller, just a dedicated team. 💧 How their Headwaters Series supports water conservation efforts. #WhiskeyWanderlust #LawsWhiskeyHouse #ColoradoWhiskey #CraftSpirits #Bourbon #RyeWhiskey #NoShortcuts

    04: Laws Whiskey - "There are no shortcuts." Creating great American Whiskey with Casey Rizzo & Sam Poirier

  4. 01/15/2025

    03: Bear Creek Distillery: “We bought a saloon.” Bucking the trends with Jay Johnson & Ryan Stoltzfus

    📍 Welcome to Whiskey Wanderlust! Join us as we visit Bear Creek Distillery in Denver, Colorado, for an inside look at their innovative spirits, vibrant tasting room, and inspiring community impact. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video: 1️⃣ The story of Bear Creek Distillery’s founding by lifelong friends. 2️⃣ How their grain-to-glass approach creates unique spirits like 100% rye vodka and rye whiskey. 3️⃣ A tour of their “steampunk ski lodge” tasting room, a must-visit destination for whiskey lovers. 4️⃣ Their dedication to supporting the community, from partnerships with local distilleries to projects helping unhoused teens. 5️⃣ The team-driven creativity that makes Bear Creek Distillery stand out in Colorado's thriving whiskey scene. 🥃 Featured Tasting: Bear Creek 100% Rye Vodka Bear Creek 100% Rye Whiskey ✨ Don’t Miss This: Experience the passion and innovation behind Bear Creek Distillery. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or new to craft spirits, this episode offers something for everyone! 👍 Support the Channel: Subscribe for more craft distillery tours and tastings! Like this video if you enjoyed it! Comment below: What’s your favorite Colorado whiskey? 🎥 Subscribe now and join our journey through the world of whiskey! #BearCreekDistillery #ColoradoWhiskey #WhiskeyWanderlust #CraftSpirits #RyeWhiskey

    03: Bear Creek Distillery: “We bought a saloon.” Bucking the trends with Jay Johnson & Ryan Stoltzfus

  5. 12/10/2024

    02: Distillery 291 — "How hard can it be?" Branding a Whiskey with Michael Myers & Eric Jett

    Join us as we explore the bold and innovative world of Distillery 291, one of Colorado’s most iconic craft distilleries. In this episode, we sit down with founder Michael Myers to uncover his incredible journey from a career in fashion photography to becoming an award-winning distiller. Learn the fascinating story behind their unique still and how it transforms Colorado grains into world-class whiskey. We dive into their distinct approach to whiskey-making, including their use of toasted Aspen wood staves for finishing and their experimental series that pushes boundaries in the industry. From rich Colorado Bourbon to spicy Rye Whiskey and the innovative Aspen Stave Finished Whiskey, you’ll get an inside look at what makes each expression unforgettable. Don’t miss the Angel’s Share segment, where we discuss Distillery 291’s commitment to craftsmanship, community, and the artistry of creating whiskey with character. Highlights include: - Michael Myers’ journey from photography to distilling - The story behind 291’s one-of-a-kind still - A breakdown of their award-winning spirits: Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and more - The innovative finishing process with Aspen wood staves - A sneak peek into their experimental whiskey series - Pour yourself a dram and join us for this unforgettable journey into the heart of Colorado craft whiskey.

    02: Distillery 291 — "How hard can it be?" Branding a Whiskey with Michael Myers & Eric Jett

  6. 11/06/2024

    01: Boulder Spirits — “I’m from Scotland. I’m going to make whiskey.” Crafting American Single Malt with Alistair Brogan & Ryan Negley

    Join us for the inaugural episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, where we dive into the heart of Colorado’s vibrant distilling scene. In this episode, we sit down with Alastair Brogan and Ryan Negley from Boulder Spirits to explore their remarkable journey from Scotland to the U.S., and how they're pioneering American Single Malt Whiskey. Discover the nuances of distilling at high altitude, the science behind their craft, and the community-focused initiatives that set them apart. Plus, don't miss our special tasting segment featuring their latest limited releases. Pour yourself a dram and embark on this unforgettable whiskey journey with us! On this episode: - The origins and story behind Boulder Spirits - The push for American Single Malt Whiskey as a recognized category - The challenges and benefits of distilling in Colorado’s unique climate - Insights into community engagement and giving back, including projects like the Marshall Fire initiative This Episode's Tasting: - Boulder American Single Malt The 10 Essentials - Boulder American Single Malt 7-yr Bottles In Bond Additional Viewing: The Boulder Spirits Distillery Tour on YouTube

    01: Boulder Spirits — “I’m from Scotland. I’m going to make whiskey.” Crafting American Single Malt with Alistair Brogan & Ryan Negley
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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5 Ratings

About

This is Whiskey Wanderlust, and we're on an expedition to discover how Colorado is elevating craft spirits from grain to glass. We bring whiskey explorers like you an inside look at the distilled stories, colorful characters, and rich flavors that make Colorado a true whiskey frontier. So, pour yourself a dram and join us on an unforgettable journey.

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