I used to think that whiskey could save a life under the right circumstances. And maybe it can. But, in the face of all that I’ve seen, I realized that was a fool-hardy and shortsighted opinion. It isn’t just the alcohol that resurrects the soul. The refurbishing of the ethos comes from the conversation over the spirits and the good music in the background and the comfortable lighting in the room and the quality of product one consumes. The set and setting are important here. In my most recent visit to Bear Creek Distillery, I realized we have a sanctuary that offers several elements necessary for recovery right in our own backyard.
That tasting room was damn full for a Wednesday after work when I stopped into Bear Creek Distillery and talked to Jay Johnson. A focus on the aesthetics was apparent as soon as I walked in and I would soon learn that the entire tasting room is decorated with reclaimed wood. Lovely and inviting. I was at the beginning stretch of summer that reminds me of the train from Under Siege 2 except I am not Steven Segal and I die in one of the ridiculous battle scenes from a stray bullet. Tragic and unnerving. There is no doubt that a deep need for tasty craft spirits was the cure for what ailed me. It was a crazy time. And honestly, it hasn’t slowed down.
To put their best foot forward, Jay and his cohorts traveled and learned how to make exceptional spirits from distillers nationwide. The focus for Bear Creek over the last six years has always been to provide the highest quality grain to glass craft distillery around. They want the experience to be something you will never forget from their unique 100% rye vodka that is exceptional in dirty martinis to the handcrafted cocktail list to their array of 10 spirits to engage with all of your drinking desires.
Jay and I shot the shit while he showed me the inner workings of Bear Creek Distillery. He was a great host with a beard most men would at least arm wrestle for if not kill to have. They produce 50 gallons of product 3 to 4 times a week. And their goal is to move production to a 24/7 model so they can grow their accounts and spread the Bear Creek Love to all that seek it.
Barrels were piled high in the back room. Many of which will remain stacked for the two years needed to age their bourbon properly. Some are wine barrels some are Yeti Imperial Stout barrels from Great Divide Brewing Company. When we got to the tasting portion of the tour I was able to taste some both of these kinds of whiskey.
Before me lay tasters of the essential spirits including rum, whiskey, bourbon, and vodka. At that moment, a light shined down from the heavens and a noise called out to me. It was the savage and wild call of a bear. Surprisingly it didn’t scare me. Bears are normally terrifying creatures but this one just wanted me to be happy and safe. They have nearly every spirit you could ask for with the exception of gin. You need a separate still for gin and it may be in Bear Creek’s future.
The Rye Whiskey was peppery, smooth and flat-out fantastic. I bought a bottle later on. In fact, that’s what I am drinking right now. Their Spiced Rum puts the damn Captain to shame with a pumpkin pie flavor that made me want to relax on the couch. Vodka never seems to impress me. It is either smooth or plastic jug and either way it will get you drunk. But the 100% Rye Vodka was downright interesting and ready for consumption. I pictured it going well with a Bloody Mary or a Dirty Martini – adding an extra little hit of spicy rye to make the world wonderful again.
After the tour, I stuck around for a few cocktails. Of course, my go-to was the Bold Old Fashion with straight Bear Creek Bourbon, bitters and a sexy little sugar cube mixed in. The turn of our globe seeming slows down when drinks are made this well. The staff at Bear Creek Distillery know how to do the damn thing. The tasting room sounds elevated and I relaxed into my final drink the “Big Easy” with Bear Creek Rye Whiskey, Winship’s wormwood bitters and simple syrup. This smooth honeysuckle of a drink conjures all the things I love about NOLA but at a Mile High.
The only proper way to write a review about a craft distillery so devoted and renowned for their whiskey is to sip on some of that fine rye magic on the stoop of my apartment with Lucero playing in the background. The weather is easy as the sun goes down. Bear Creek Distillery supplied the goods. The gods are at the helm. My emotional fortitude is strong again. Set and setting and craft whiskey are how you save a life.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Bear Creek Distillery has events on a regular basis. They offer tours starting at $10. Find out the details on their Facebook and website!
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-10
- Friday, Saturday 2-10
- Sunday 2-8
Give them a follow on IG: @bearcreekdistillery, FB: @BearCreekDistillery, Twitter: @StillBearCreek
Bear Creek Distillery
Website: bearcreekdistillery.com
Address: 1879 S Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223