Notes and Reviews for Whiskey Ring Podcast Episode 192: Boulder Spirits with Alastair Brogan

Scottish Born, Colorodo Bred

Colorado was long a bastion of the craft beer scene, and out of that grew a now-booming craft whiskey industry. Among the first of those whiskeymakers was Boulder Spirits (part of Vapor Distillery), who imported Alastair Brogan in 2012. His vision was clear: to create the best American single malt whiskey possible, while honoring traditional methods and embracing the distinctive Colorado environment. The Colorado microclimate plays a crucial role in Boulder Spirits' unique flavor profile. With significant temperature and humidity swings, whiskey ages differently here than in Scotland or Kentucky, experiencing higher evaporation rates that concentrate flavors more rapidly.

While their American Single Malt garners the headlines, they also make a fantastic bourbon, one that despite its relatively low proof (88) was full-bodied and flavorful. It confirmed my suspicions (piqued after chatting with Chattanooga) that I love malted bourbons, where malt is the secondary grain rather than rye or wheat. It holds up at a lower proof so much better than the other two.

Education remains the greatest barrier to growth - while we whiskey nerds love American Single Malts and different mashbills, the wider audience isn't always aware that ASM is even a thing, let alone a malted bourbon. That education is helped by collaborating with folks like Lost Lantern (that's how I first heard about Boulder) and putting out high-powered releases like hazmat single malt in armagnac casks.

I missed them by just a day while in Denver, but won't miss them the next time. Thank you to Alastair for entering the whiskey ring!

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Boulder Spirits

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Both bottles were provided free of charge by Boulder Spirits. Other bottles - such as the Lost Lantern expressions referenced on the podcast - were purchased by me. All opinions are my own.

Boulder Spirits Bottled in Bond American Single Malt: Specs

Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey

Producer: Boulder Spirits

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 100 (50% ABV)

Age: NAS (4+ Years)

Location: Colorado

Boulder Spirits Bottled in Bond American Single Malt Price: $69

Official Website

Boulder Spirits Bottled in Bond American Single Malt: Tasting Notes

Eye: Black tea.

Nose: Surprisingly mild nose, malty but not overpowering. Grape or cognac must, vineyard scents. The new American oak adds spice to the light malt profile. Caramel malt, perhaps, a refreshing yet bold summer ale with a dark edge.

Palate: There’s the malt! Caramel and spice, black pepper toffee and a light toasted vanilla. Pleasant spice along the edges of my tongue, surging onto the mid-palate. Mouthfeel is creamy and filling, lightly effervescent like a malt syrup turning into beer. The grape must return with the new oak spice, drinking right at 100 proof. Toasting barrels with bourbon sugar inside.

Finish: Remains coating and spicy, the new oak adding a serious edge of toasted sugar and black pepper. Medium-long, adds vanilla and an egg cream sensation. Lovely.

Overall: The new oak threatens to overpower the malt at times, but the malt manages to hang on through the stronger cask. Great flavor, if a little simple. I know this gains complexity with age, so this is a great benchmark for this American Single Malt going forward.

Final Rating: 7.5

Boulder Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Specs

Classification: Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Producer: Boulder Spirits

Mashbill: 51% Corn, 44% Malt, 5% Rye

Proof: 84 (42% ABV)

Age: NAS (5+ Years)

Location: Colorado

Boulder Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey Price: $55

Official Website

Boulder Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Fossilized amber. Medium, slowly bleeding rims, lots of legs and quick drops.

Nose: Dark sugar, the burnt edge of creme brulee tops. The bourbon character emerges slowly but clearly. Light butteriness and not too much spice from the rye, the malt soft and sweet. Turbinado, sweet wood from the #3 char.

Palate: The malt is really the flavor here, a touch of heat mid-palate like a warm malty hug entering a brewhouse. Not sure if I’d identify this as a bourbon straight out or blind, though roasted corn lingers around the palate. Touch of rye makes itself known with baking spice and mint. Mouthfeel is a bit numbing on the back half of my tongue, solid body closer to 100 proof than 94. Gentle spice, coating, mouthwatering, ginger and wood spice.

Finish: Coating and creamy, great mouthfeel with a mild astringency down the center line of my tongue. Turbinado sugar remains present, malt sugar, flavor continues for several minutes as does a light if still coating texture.

Overall: Maybe I just need more malted bourbons in my life. This is really, really good. Spice, sweet, but more than anything a great mouthfeel that drinks above proof while remaining an easy drinker. The texture and coating feel are a delightful savory experience amongst the sweet malt and sugar. Easy buy that will appeal to new drinkers and seasoned ones alike.

Final Rating: 7.6

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