We fought our way in from the cold, exchanging our boots and jackets for a spot around the fireplace. Our host joined us a short time later with an unopened bottle of Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey. He said we were ‘in for a treat’ as he opened the bottle. He could not have been more right.
Let’s start with the maker of this fine spirit. At an altitude of 9,600 feet, the Breckenridge Distillery in Breckenridge, Colorado, likes to bill itself as the highest distillery in the world. The distillers also claim that the natural minerality of the local mountain water source provides them with an exceptional and unique element to their award-winning bourbon whiskey recipe.
The bourbon itself has some unique elements. In addition to the Rocky Mountain water, it has a high rye mash. And perhaps most interesting, it is only aged 2-3 years – much shorter than most quality bourbons.
The Breckenridge distillers say the high rye mash, combined with the local waters and a careful mingling of casks, make their bourbon special.
And the result is in the tasting.
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey has a nice balance of oak, vanilla and caramel on first taste, with a strong, but not overpowering character. I was especially pleased with the nice slow burn of the whiskey. It built up gradually and expanded down the chest. It was a wonderful experience – especially on a cold day.
My group experimented with Breckenridge Bourbon and there was no consensus as to the ‘best’ way to drink it. Neat is my recommendation, but others felt a splash of water or a single ice cube helped with the experience. No matter what decision, you can’t go wrong with this exceptional American whiskey. Just don’t dilute it too much.
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey has won numerous awards, including:
- Rated one of the top 3 Bourbons in the World, Gold Medal
International Wine and Spirits Competition, 2011 - Gold Medal, Best Bourbon Whiskey
International Whisky Competition – Chicago, 2012 - Gold Medal
2012 MicroLiquor Spirit Awards - Chairman’s Trophy Finalist: 96 Points (extraordinary, ultimate recommendation)
Ultimate Spirits Challenge – NYC, 2012 - International Double Gold Medal
DISC, 2012 - World Spirits Competition Medal Winner
New York and San Francisco, 2011, 2012
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey costs about $40 for a bottle. For a bourbon only aged 2-3 years, this might seem a steep price, but we highly recommend this spirit.