Nestled in eastern Centennial, Branch & Barrel Distilling stands as a testament to Colorado’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and love for fine whiskey. Founded by friends Ryan, Tom, and Scott, the distillery began as a dream shared over construction sites and plumbing projects. What started as conversations between industry professionals with a shared appreciation for brown spirits evolved into a full-fledged distillery, handcrafted—quite literally—from the ground up.
After months of scouting, the trio secured a former auto body shop in 2015 and transformed it into a functioning distillery. Scott, with his background in plumbing and systems design, constructed the stills and equipment using upcycled industrial parts—everything from old condiment tanks to distilled water tanks. Their first still? A retrofitted Campbell’s soup cooker. True to their DIY roots, every pipe, weld, and innovation was done in-house.
Their flagship product, a high-corn Colorado bourbon, was born from both experimentation and dedication. The grains are sourced exclusively from within the state—Ft. Morgan corn and Monte Vista barley—and the water comes from 1,500-foot wells tapping the mineral-rich Arapahoe aquifer. Sustainability and locality are central to their process, as is ingenuity. Even their bottling line and screw press are retrofitted secondhand equipment, reducing waste while preserving authenticity.
One of the distillery’s turning points came unexpectedly when their first hired head distiller had to leave on his first day due to an allergy. Stepping in was Rick, the building’s electrician, who immersed himself in the world of whiskey-making. Self-taught through a deep dive into books, manuals, and online resources, Rick’s passion and talent led Branch & Barrel to success, solidifying their belief in learning by doing.
By 2019, Branch & Barrel began earning accolades for their bourbons, with every bottle entered into competition receiving a medal—31 and counting, including multiple Double Golds. Their expressions range from the original Flagship Bourbon to creative releases like Plumwood, Honey Bourbon, and Café Miel. They’re known for pushing boundaries with unique infusions and collaborations with local brewers, roasters, and even a golf apparel company.
In 2021, they opened their tasting room, which quickly became a South Metro favorite. With an expanded cocktail menu, special events, and VIP membership club “The Shaded Grove,” the distillery became more than a place to sip whiskey—it became a hub for community and craft culture.
Branch & Barrel is deeply committed to supporting local artists, charities, and the broader Colorado creative scene. Through monthly charity cocktails, merch collaborations, and an upcoming artist showcase series, they are using their platform to give back while celebrating individuality and expression.
As of 2025, Branch & Barrel produces 500 barrels annually and continues to grow both in reputation and reach. With plans for sustainable expansion beyond Colorado, they remain rooted in the values that started it all: craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
From soup cookers to gold medals, Branch & Barrel Distilling is proof that when passion meets purpose, greatness is just a still away.
the PROFESSIONAL
Ingredients:
2 oz Flagship Bourbon
.5 oz Amaretto
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
2 Dashes Walnut Bitters
Flamed Orange Peel
Smoked
directions:
Add all the ingredients to a glass with ice (a large cube or sphere works best) and stir about 30 times until chilled.
If you have a cocktail smoker, smoke the drink after mixing and chilling.
No smoker? You can pre-smoke the glass instead. Just wet the inside, create smoke using a torch and wood (like a plank, stave, or chips), then place the glass upside down over the smoke. Always do this on a fire-safe surface!