This Friday, May 19, seven premier Colorado distilleries announce the release of another edition of Colorado Distillers Collaboration Straight Wheat Whiskey. The whiskey, five years in the making, is a coordinated distillation between 291 Colorado Whiskey, Bear Creek Distillery, Laws Whiskey House, Old Elk Distillery, State 38 Distilling, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery and Woody Creek Distillers.

The collaboration is a product of the group’s long standing relationships in an effort to highlight the unity and camaraderie among Colorado’s distilling community and create a one-of-a-kind Colorado wheat whiskey. 

“It is not uncommon to see breweries doing collaborations with other local breweries, even with distilleries, however I did find it strange that distilleries were not doing collaborative projects with other local distilleries, despite being a tight network that frequently meets and discusses strategies and recipes with each other,” Sean Smiley, co-owner of State 38 Distillery, said in a news release. “This is the first time in Colorado history that a group of distilleries who all make their whiskey from grain to glass has come together to produce a common blended product that we can share with our local community and not only raise awareness of our brands, but also raise money for our local charities.”

The collaboration began five years ago with three conditions agreed upon by all seven partners: first, only distillate made by the participating distilleries could be added to the collaboration; second, each distillery would use the same Centennial Wheat grown and supplied by Colorado Malting Company; and third, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the collaboration whiskey would be contributed to Colorado nonprofits.

During the spring of 2018, each distillery individually distilled a 100% Centennial Wheat whiskey, an heirloom soft white spring wheat grown by the Cody family in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. The whiskeys were then transferred, married and barreled together by Laws Whiskey House in Denver. After more than four years of aging, the collaboration whiskey is finally ready for release.

The Colorado Distillers Collaboration Whiskey showcases the unique local flavors of Colorado. The growing conditions of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado, home of the Colorado Malting Company farm, stress the heirloom varietal Spring wheat just enough to provide distinctive terroir-driven flavors. The result is a soft and floral whiskey with bright fruit notes and generous barrel aromas of vanilla, caramel, bergamot, and black tea.

Adding to the spirit of this release, all materials were donated, including the wheat grain from Colorado Malting Company and the barrels from Independent Stave Company, Canton and Atlas Barrel Company. The bottles were donated from O-I Glass, corks from Tapi Group, and the labels from Columbine Label Company. These contributions allow for 100% of the whiskey’s sales to go toward charitable causes.

The causes selected by the distilleries vary but are all focused on Colorado and its local communities. The organizations include Bridge of Hope, Urban Peak, Chaffee County Community Foundation, Larimer County Food Bank, and Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink.

“It’s amazing to look back at the relationships created over the last 10 years, to celebrate Colorado Whiskey and give back to our community,” 291 Colorado Whiskey founder Michael Myers says. “Each Colorado distillery brings its unique flavor profile, rich history, and the dedication of its distillers. This collaboration is a testament to the thriving craft distilling industry in our state and our collective spirit.”

The Colorado Distillers Collaboration Straight Wheat Whiskey will only be available from the tasting rooms of the participating distilleries. Each distillery has just 105 bottles available to sell for a price of $74.99.