When people think of great American whiskey, their minds often drift to the rolling hills of Kentucky or the storied distilleries of Tennessee. But in 2025, a new champion has emerged from an unexpected corner of the country: Colorado. Loveland-based Root Shoot Spirits has redefined what American single malt whiskey can be, earning the coveted title of Best American Single Malt at the prestigious London Spirits Competition. This isn’t just a win for Root Shoot—it’s a game-changer for Colorado’s growing reputation as a whiskey powerhouse.
A Global Stage, A Colorado Victory
The London Spirits Competition is no small affair. With thousands of entries pouring in from over 30 countries, the event draws the world’s finest spirits to be judged by a panel of more than 70 industry experts, including master distillers, mixologists, and buyers. These professionals don’t just sip and score—they evaluate every aspect of a spirit, from its flavor and aroma to its value and packaging. For Root Shoot Spirits to rise above this fierce global competition and claim the title of Best American Single Malt is a testament to their craft and dedication.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Root Shoot isn’t a massive distillery with decades of name recognition. It’s a family-run operation rooted in Loveland, Colorado, with a story that starts not in a boardroom but in a barley field. Their flagship whiskey, Root Shoot American Single Malt, stood out to judges for its exceptional quality, earning a near-perfect score of 98 out of 100. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that Colorado’s whiskey scene is ready to compete with the world’s best.
From Soil to Sip: The Root Shoot Difference
What sets Root Shoot Spirits apart isn’t just their whiskey—it’s how they make it. Every drop of Root Shoot American Single Malt is a celebration of Colorado’s land and agricultural heritage. Unlike many distilleries that source their grains from far-flung suppliers, Root Shoot grows every kernel of barley used in their whiskey right on their own Olander Farms, a fifth-generation family farm spanning Weld and Larimer counties. This hyper-local approach ensures that the whiskey captures the unique terroir of Colorado’s Front Range, from the sun-soaked fields to the crisp mountain air.
The process begins with regenerative farming practices that prioritize soil health and sustainability. The Olander family, who have worked this land for nearly a century, believe that great whiskey starts with great grain, and great grain comes from healthy soil. They carefully cultivate their barley using methods that reduce environmental impact and promote long-term farmland preservation. Once harvested, the barley is malted on-site at Root Shoot Malting, a state-of-the-art facility that transforms the grain into the foundation of their award-winning whiskey.
From there, the malted barley is distilled in a traditional pot still, fermented off-grain, and aged for four years in first-use, medium-char American oak barrels. The result is a bottled-in-bond whiskey at 100 proof (50% ABV) that’s as bold as the Rocky Mountains themselves. The whiskey’s flavor profile is a journey in every sip: aromas of warm berry cobbler and honey granola give way to clean alpine florals, fresh mint, and cardamom on the palate, finishing with rich pastry, a hint of cocoa dust, and a lingering spicy brightness.
A Family Legacy in Every Bottle
For Todd Olander, the founder of Root Shoot Spirits and a fifth-generation farmer, this award is more than just a shiny trophy—it’s a validation of his family’s lifelong commitment to the land. “It’s pretty amazing,” Olander said in a statement following the win. “It’s a great feat and a real honor to be in the group of other distillers that won awards in that competition. I think it’s just great for the state as a whiskey-producing state, especially when it comes to single malt.”
Olander’s pride extends beyond the distillery to the farm itself. He sees the recognition as a tribute to the “soil, sun, sweat, and stubbornness” that go into every bottle of Root Shoot Whiskey. By controlling every step of the process—from planting the seeds to bottling the spirit—Root Shoot ensures unmatched quality and authenticity. The whiskey travels just 30 miles from field to bottle, making it one of the most sustainable and locally sourced spirits in the world.
This dedication to craft and community hasn’t gone unnoticed. Root Shoot’s American Single Malt has racked up multiple accolades since its debut in August 2023, including a Gold Medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. But the London Spirits Competition win is the crown jewel, solidifying Root Shoot’s place among the elite in the global spirits industry.
Colorado: The New Frontier for Single Malt Whiskey
Root Shoot’s victory isn’t just a win for one distillery—it’s a spotlight on Colorado’s rising status as a hub for single malt whiskey. Local distillers have long argued that the state’s unique climate, with its high altitude and dramatic temperature swings, creates ideal conditions for aging whiskey. The recent federal designation of American single malt as an official spirits category has only fueled this momentum, allowing Colorado distilleries to compete head-to-head with traditional single malt giants like Scotland and Japan.
In fact, this isn’t the first time a Colorado whiskey has claimed the top spot at the London Spirits Competition. In 2024, Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons took home the same award for their Colorado Honey single malt, proving that the state’s distillers are consistently pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be. With Root Shoot now carrying the torch, it’s clear that Colorado is becoming the go-to destination for single malt enthusiasts.
How to Experience Root Shoot Whiskey
For whiskey lovers eager to taste America’s best single malt, Root Shoot American Single Malt is available across Colorado at select retailers and restaurants. The distillery’s website, RootShootSpirits.com, offers a handy Whiskey Finder tool to locate nearby spots pouring or selling their award-winning spirit. Whether you’re sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a craft cocktail, Root Shoot’s whiskey promises a taste of Colorado’s heart and soul in every glass.
A Toast to Colorado’s Whiskey Future
Root Shoot Spirits’ triumph at the 2025 London Spirits Competition is more than just a moment—it’s a movement. It’s proof that American single malt whiskey is no longer an afterthought but a force to be reckoned with. It’s a reminder that the best whiskey doesn’t always come from the usual suspects but can emerge from a family farm in Loveland, Colorado, where passion, tradition, and innovation collide.
As Root Shoot continues to pour their heart into every bottle, they’re not just crafting whiskey—they’re telling a story of the land, the people, and the future of American spirits. So the next time you raise a glass of Root Shoot American Single Malt, know that you’re toasting to something
