Did you know that there are over 100 craft distilleries in Colorado?
Odds are, if you did know this random fact, it may be because of the Colorado Spirits Collective. Founder Matt Hondorf was inspired to create this online community after realizing in 2020 that there was a lack of information, reviews and representation across social media platforms.
“I noticed that there were tons of review pages, and nobody was talking about or reviewing Colorado-made spirits," Hondorf says. "I wanted to help Colorado’s Distilleries gain attention on a national scale, so I created Colorado Spirits Collective. Along with reviewing spirits, I also organize events, provide education, highlight local distilleries and do giveaways.”
This fall, Colorado Spirits Collective is hosting its biggest event yet, the first annual Colorado Springs Distillery Week & Festival. This four-day-long event runs from October 17-20 and will represent various distilleries in and around Colorado Springs.
“I created this event for the community and to bring people together to celebrate and support local distilleries," Hondorf says. "In addition, a portion of the ticket sales will go to a local non-profit organization.”
Cocktail Competition
Come cheer on talented local bartenders as they compete to create the best cocktails using locally distilled spirits.
- Date: October 17
- Host Location: 1350 Distilling
- Time: 7pm
- Price: $40
Whiskey & Cigars
Enjoy three high-end whiskey pours, a cigar provided by Trinity Cigar Company and the musical stylings of Todd Haller.
- Date: October 18
- Host Location: Axe & Oak
- Time: 7pm
- Price: $50
Dinner & Spirit Pairing
Savor a four course meal paired with cocktails and neat pours while dining in the barrel room at Distillery 291. Chef Morgan Bryson of Tossed has created the following menu to highlight the flavors of four selected Distillery 291spirits.
Course 1: 291 Colorado Small Batch Rye. Pear, Goat Cheese, and Walnut Salad over Arugula with White Wine Vinaigrette
Course 2: 291 Colorado Small Batch Bourbon. Sourdough Flatbread with Grilled Vegetables.
Course 3: 291 Bad Guy Four Grain Bourbon. Colorado Filet Mignon Rubbed with a Whiskey Braised Colorado Short Rib Jerky and a Stout Beer Cheese Sauce, Hasselback Potatoes, and Broccolini.
Course 4: 291 Colorado Barrel Proof Single Barrel. Ice Cream Sandwich with Browned Butter Chocolate Chip, Pecan, and Dried Cherry Cookies and Vanilla Ice Cream Swirled with 291’s The Decc Liquor Caramel Sauce.
- Date: October 19
- Host Location: Distillery 291
- Time: 6pm
- Price: $150
Whiskey & Spirits Festival
Distillery Week culminates with a festival held at The Carter Payne. Twenty-one distilleries from across Colorado will be pouring unlimited samples into souvenir Whisdom American Whiskey Glasses. If you find a sample that you love, bottles are available for purchase from each vendor. Festival goers will also be able to enjoy:
- Pig roast provided by The Carter Payne
- Live Mobile Podcast from Bourbon Life
- Cigars from Trinity Cigar Company
- Giveaways
- Live Music provided by Dillon Marshall, and two-man group Brandon Henderson & Taylor Biskup
- VIP Ticket holders will be treated to a private tasting in addition to the unlimited samples.
Details
- Date: October 20th
- Host Location: The Carter Payne
- Time: 2pm
- Event Price: VIP $65 General Admission $50
“I created this event for the community and to bring people together to celebrate and support local distilleries," Hondorf says. "In addition, a portion of the ticket sales will go to a local non-profit organization.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for each event can be purchased separately or purchase a four-day pass that includes the VIP Festival tasting for $260. The four-day pass will save $45.
Instagram @COSDistilleryWeek + @COSpiritsCollective
Facebook @COSpiritsCollective