Instead of standing bewildered in the liquor store, let us introduce you to a few of our favorite local distillers so you’ll be able to grab some high-quality booze and get your party started.

Instead of standing bewildered in the liquor store, let us introduce you to a few of our favorite local distillers so you’ll be able to grab some high-quality booze and get your party started.

Roundhouse Spirits
Boulder
In 2008, there were no micro-distilleries in Boulder. Roundhouse Spirits set out to change that. Offering all-natural gin, liqueurs and cordials, this small-batch distillery is as local as they get, sourcing some of its ingredients as close as five miles away. If you’re looking to have a low-key, after-dinner cocktail or even an early morning pick-me-up, look no further.

Spirit Hound Distillers
Lyons
In 2012, Spirit Hound opened the first distillery in Lyons, connecting the community one small batch of artfully crafted hooch at a time. They’re perfect for that sophisticated cocktail hour you’ve been wanting to christen your new apartment with.

J&L
Distilling
Boulder
In 2011, J&L Distilling opened in Boulder to prove distilling spirits is an art form that may be perfected by science. J&L’s portfolio of spirits, Sno vodka and gin, and Fyr are smooth, refreshing and promise to not give you a skull-splitting hangover, if consumed responsibly. This hooch is best enjoyed next to a fire at the ski lodge or at your swanky cocktail reception.

CopperMuse Distillery
Fort Collins
The last thing Fort Collins needed was another brewery, or so thought the owners of CopperMuse Distillery. They strive to bring high-quality, crafted liquor to the town that never stops brewing. CopperMuse’s diverse portfolio, including vodka and rum, offers patrons something a little stronger to wet their whistles. Perfect for mixing, these bottles will be honored guests at your next cocktail night.

>A. Sno, Gin
J&L Distilling
This gin is extremely botanical and very crisp. It’s bright intensity washes away with a cool, clean finish.

>B. Fyr
J&L Distilling
Fyr would trick you into thinking it’s a cinnamon whiskey, but that’s far from the truth. It’s a spicy spirit that’s got warm bite. Cloves and cinnamon feign a barrel flavor and forgo the syrupy status quo.

>C. Rye Whiskey
Fiesty Spirits
Rye whiskey is not for the faint of heart. The barrel is strong on the nose, followed up with an intense, clean rye flavor. While that bite will have you sucking air through your teeth, it’s surprisingly smooth..

>D. Vodka
CopperMuse Distillery
This vodka is crisp, smooth and extremely clean. It tastes top-shelf as a shot and plays well with any mixer.

>E. Gin
Roundhouse Spirits
Juniper pops out of the bottle and smacks you in the face with its icy, peppery botanicals. It’s extremely smooth until the bite at the end, which reminds you, you’re drinking gin and should hold on for the ride.

>F. Moonshine
Spirit Hound Distillers
If you’re afraid of moonshine, as you should be, feel safe in a liquor blanket of this caliber. It’s shockingly smooth whiskey without the barrel and a well balanced whiskey at that. If you’re imagining face-melting inebriation, you won’t find it here.

>G. Mountain Bum Rum
Spirit Hound Distillers
This mild rum is the best of both worlds. It’s smooth but thick with molasses, kind of a middle ground between spiced and silver rum. Dry but crisp at the same time, it will stand up to anything you put it in.

>H. Pumpkin King Cordial
Roundhouse Spirits
This pumpkin cordial hits your sweet tooth without giving you cavities. It mixes pumpkin puree, gin, cloves and pie spices into the perfect digestif that will make you happier than pie ever has.

>I. Silver Rum
CopperMuse Distillery
This slightly sweet, slightly bitter rum is light and flavorful, making it a perfect cocktail rum. Its integrity and flavor can shine through the most sugary of syrups to the driest of sodas.

>J. Ricardo’s Decaf
Coffee Liqueur
Spirit Hound Distillers
This sweet coffee liqueur is just what you need for a solid buzz this morning. Its syrupy and bold coffee flavor are a welcome addition to any cream-based mixer. They say it best though, “Whether warm or chilled, in a mug or in a snifter, it’s way better than kissing your sister.”

>K. Corretto
Roundhouse Spirits
This liqueur tastes like black coffee with a hint of sugar and warms your belly like it’s still steaming. The burn at the end reminds you it may not be such a good idea to drink so early, but it’s basically coffee, so you can handle another cup.

>L. Gin
Spirit Hound Distillers
This gin will impress you with its lightness and biting botanicals. It even smells cold. The afterburn is fresh and screams for tonic bubbles and lime.

>M. Better Days Bourbon
Fiesty Spirits
This bourbon is caramelly sweet before it gets down to business with putting hair on your chest. The char on the barrel comes through strong and helps it go down balanced with a burn.