Laws Whiskey House Redefines the Modern Tasting Room
The Denver distillery debuts an upscale whiskey sanctuary where inventive cocktails meet heirloom grains and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Photo: Connor Stehr-Shake & Stehr Photography
When Laws Whiskey House opened in 2014, they already had three years of fine, aged whiskey to offer their customers. “Great whiskey and bourbon take time,” says Casey Rizzo, brand manager at the distillery. “We wanted to open with our own Colorado-made product right off the bat,” she says. “For three years prior to opening, we were aging our opening-day product.”
The new, upscale Whiskey Sanctuary has taken the place of the former tasting room, serving up a variety of cocktails and bites. “Our tasting room offered straight pours,” Rizzo explains. “Now, we are able to offer so much more.”
At the Sanctuary, guests can tantalize their taste buds with specialty cocktails including a Salted Caramel Rye Martini, a Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour or a Buffalo Blackberry Smash.
Photo: Connor Stehr-Shake & Stehr Photography
To complement a menu of 20-plus cocktail varieties, patrons can nibble on a Chorizo Cone, a Speck and Gouda Cone, almonds and olives, a sweet-and-crunchy selection of candied nuts or tinned fish and chips. Rizzo explains, “Rum and agave spirits are also made in-house, so there is truly something for everyone.”
Laws Whiskey House sources its grain supply from two Colorado farms that focus on cultivating small-batch heirloom grains produced at low yield for optimal flavor. Corn comes from Whiskey Sister Supply Company, an independently owned farm in Burlington.
Photo: Connor Stehr-Shake & Stehr Photography
The remaining specialized grains are grown in the San Luis Valley by fifth-generation farmers Jason and Josh Cody at Colorado Malting Company. The thin air, hot days and cool nights and rugged growing conditions in the region stress the grain just enough to produce a deep, bold flavor.
At Laws Whiskey House, you won’t find a master distiller. The team believes it takes the expertise and obsessive devotion of every co-worker to make their fine libations. This approach fosters an atmosphere that gives staff a shared purpose bigger than themselves.
Photo: Connor Stehr-Shake & Stehr Photography
Laws’ products are available for purchase and can be shipped to 32 states. A perfect gift for both whiskey connoisseurs and newcomers alike, the line can be found in many local markets. Customers can easily find a nearby shop by clicking the “Find Our Whiskey” button on the website.
Tours and tastings are perfect for a first date or an immersive experience. “Whiskey is a combination of science, art and magic,” Rizzo says. “A visit offers the opportunity to discover and experience something interesting and delicious.”
