Colorado Craft: Unpacking the Terroir and Tradition at Laws Whiskey House

Rooted in Colorado Grain and Terroir

Laws Whiskey House follows a strict grain-to-glass philosophy. This means they control every step of production. They use heirloom grains grown near their distillery in Colorado. These include Centennial white wheat and San Luis Valley rye. Al emphasizes that the place where grain grows, its “terroir,” truly matters. He sometimes calls their process “dirt to glass.” These specific grains add unique regional flavors to their spirits. They come directly from dedicated family farms. Laws pays a premium for these quality grains.

Crafting the Flagship Four Grain Bourbon

The distillery’s flagship whiskey is their Four Grain Bourbon. It features a mash bill of 60% corn, 20% wheat, 10% rye, and 10% malted barley. Each grain contributes specific notes to the flavor profile. The corn provides upfront sweetness. The rye adds a distinct, slightly metallic bite. Wheat brings notes of baking spice and fruit. Finally, the malted barley offers a pleasant, nutty finish. Getting the balance right so all four grains were noticeable in every sip took significant effort. They adjusted their cooking process to achieve this harmony. Al credits his mentor, Bill Friel, a veteran Kentucky distiller, with guiding him in perfecting the recipe.

Al Laws’ Passionate Journey

Al Laws had a previous career in oil and gas finance in Canada. He felt a strong desire for a more hands-on, artistic profession. This led him to pursue his growing obsession with American whiskey. He wanted to build something authentic from the ground up. Al deeply respects the history of American whiskey making. He highlighted the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act as a crucial consumer protection law. Laws Whiskey House made history by releasing the first Bottled-in-Bond whiskey in Colorado. He believes this commitment to high standards is still important today. Learning the craft involved guidance, not just formulas. He mentioned his mentor Bill Friel emphasized the “art and soul” of distilling, likening it to being a baker.

Exploring Unique Whiskeys: Rye and Finished Bourbons

Laws Whiskey House also produces a 100% Rye Whiskey. This spirit expresses earthy notes tied to the San Luis Valley soil where the rye is grown at high altitude. They also explored unique finished whiskeys. One standout was their Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon. This special release is crafted using a layering process. Different aged bourbons are put into large French oak Cognac casks and a big 1600-gallon foeder. This Solera-style method allows the bourbons to integrate and develop richer flavors over years. This unique finished bourbon is released annually each fall. They also tasted a high-proof, high-wheat blend called “Super Wheater.” This powerful whiskey has an intense flavor profile. Al noted that adding water or ice can help unlock its full potential.

The Distillery Experience: Whiskey Church and Sanctuary

Visiting the Laws Whiskey House distillery offers a memorable experience. They have a dedicated space called “Whiskey Church.” Here, guests receive an in-depth education on the whiskey-making process and its history. The “Whiskey Sanctuary” serves as their main tasting room. This beautiful space provides panoramic views of the Colorado mountains. Al takes great pride in his team, calling the distillery community a “village.” The facility includes architectural features like a spiral staircase and barrel-textured walls.

Finding Laws Whiskey

Laws Whiskey House products are currently distributed in about 15-16 states. Illinois is a particularly strong market for them outside of Colorado. Due to limited releases like the finished bourbons, the best way to acquire some bottles is often by purchasing directly. You can buy bottles online through their fulfillment partner. Visiting the distillery store in Denver is also an excellent option. The distillery aims to be a key destination for whiskey enthusiasts visiting the area.