Scientists say that for every star that dies another is born. Or maybe that isn’t science, that’s Hollywood. Or perhaps, the saying goes that every minute a star is born. I don’t fucking know at this point but what I do know is we have a brand new place for you to try fresh, hand-crafted spirits and cocktails in Denver called Ironton Distillery. And we also have the last review that I am going to write for The Denver Hopper. It’s a conundrum. Death and birth. But I want to make sure you see what I saw and feel what I felt about Ironton before I go.
I knew this was going to be my last review for the site and I was a more than a little sad. Not weeping, mind you, but at least a little gloomy. It’s like someone stole my candy or my beer. The adventure I started 2 years ago was and is about to come to an end. But I had to “keep it together” for the sake of “professionalism“. Ironton Distillery deserved my best. By the end of this, you will understand why professionalism was never part of the equation in this review or with The Denver Hopper altogether.
The River North District of Denver has been the “caterpillar in a cocoon” area of Denver for years now. It went from a seemingly dead limb — an industrial area in the city to high priced multi-use neighborhood with a dense population at a tortoise pace. It still isn’t finished. I still remember when people would talk about The Source and I became confused at the idea/place they were describing but the allure was undeniable. And now after all those years, RiNo is finally turning into a butterfly.
Ironton Distillery is a sexy addition to this butterfly metaphor that I am going to beat to death by the end of this review. At the time of this review, they have only been open for three months but everyone and everything seems right at home. The distillery is located in an old ironworks. Statues of this former life still stand from the previous owners. In fact, there are still some 8 artists that work on the property. A spacious and tranquil garden sits in the midst of their land allowing for their mantra of “Farm to Flask” to come to life.
When Kallyn, Robbie, and Laura first walked up to meet me they were accompanied by a happy doggie named Karma said hello first. Your dogs are also welcome at Ironton while you get your buzz on after a long day. I ordered a luxurious Gin and Tonic that comes in a goblet and we sat down to converse over the workings of their fine distillery.
At Ironton, they want to have an expansive selection of hand-crafted spirits including seasonal styles. One of the spirits they had at the time of my visit was the Pumpkin Spice Latte Spirit. I have been told for years that I am “Basic”(from the Basic Bitch video on youtube) when I order a PSL at Starbucks. People ask me where my Uggs are. They are mean beyond measure but that PSL is goddamn delicious. Sometimes I wonder if I have brought shame upon my household. What would my parents think? What would the Lord say? Well, the PSL Spirit at Ironton was so delicious that the turbulent shame I felt for years was washed away. And I wondered out loud at the possibilities of taking a shot of that every morning instead of the coffee. Not sure what my boss would think but it’s still a possibility.
We went through a taster run of their spirits and I was impressed by all of them. They proof their liquors are at 86 Proof (43%) to give a little more kick and allow for the flavors to still shine when the spirit has been watered down through cocktails and what have you. If you have read my reviews before you know I am gin man and they did not disappoint. They have two types of gin for the old soul in all of us. The first one I tried is a straightforward Colorado Native Gin distilled with botanicals from their garden that’s on site. It was floral but not overwhelming. Easy going for the gin lovers amongst us.
The Genievre Gin is a different style gin that hits with more malt and citrus flavor. I relished in this gin. And even if you don’t care for drinking gin I think you should give this a try. It’s sneaky with all the feelings you get from gin but without the pine tree flavor, so many people despise. Perfect for G&Ts or just with soda. It’s a fine way to get a buzz on a hot or cold day. And this is the what craft spirits are all about – it is a place to find something special, a labor of love, a refuge while the whole thing falls apart.
Ironton Distillery is also one of the two distilleries that I know of that have Aquavit. This spirit is a Scandinavian delight that’s perfect for Bloody Mary’s and full-scale riots. I am just kidding about the second part, of course, but it’s possible you’re an Aquavit rookie and I think you it’s time for you to get some skin in the game. It has similar floral characteristics to gin but with caraway and fennel spices that give a hint of black licorice flavor. Delish.
Once we got to the details of the spirits and began a tour of Ironton Distillery, Laura’s voice went from friendly to passionate. She is the head distiller at Ironton and her nickname is “Scrappy Bobcat”. That is the best nickname. I have heard. Random and oddly spot on. She has three stills aptly named Carl, Margo, and Tamara. The dynamic between these stills was one of a dramatic yet functioning household filled with love. The silliness in the conversation we all had around this part of my visit cemented the euphoric and cordial feelings I came away with. And it is a reason to go back. Good people are hard to find in this world and from what I could tell Laura, Kallyn and Robbie are the kind of folks you want in your life.
Ironton Distillery is also one of the only distilleries to have the licensing to serve beer. At the time they had five beers on tap. They also will have whiskey for your enjoyment soon enough. And maybe, just maybe there will be agave spirit crafted there in the future. I wrote this at the genesis of it all. So, we shall see.
The remainder of my time was spent posted at the bar talking to strangers. In fact, I ended up giving Laura’s husband a hug. I forget why exactly but these things happen. There is that “professionalism” we talked about earlier. That is my world in a nutshell. Or at least it has been for almost two and a half years doing these reviews. Ironton Distillery was and is an exceptional place. Gin, gin, gin. I love gin! I want you to go there and drink deep, Denver Hoppers. Support these local Farm to Flask entrepreneurs. After my visit, I was no longer doleful because I want you to enjoy the fuck out of this life and this city. C’est la vie.
The Denver Hopper Notes:
Ironton Distillery has events on a regular basis. They have a massive indoor and outdoor event space. Phone# is on the website. They will be offering tours in the near future. Find out the details on their Facebook!
Hours: M-Th: 3pm – 10pm | Fri: 3pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 12am | Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Give them a follow on IG: @irontondistillery, FB: @IrontonDistillery
Ironton Distillery
Website: irontondistillery.com
3636 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80216
