In the heart of Denver, where the Rocky Mountains cast their rugged shadow, Laws Whiskey House has unveiled a new gem for bourbon lovers: Founder’s Select Colorado Straight Bourbon. This release, announced in September 2025, joins the distillery’s celebrated Four Grain Bourbon family, offering a sip of Colorado’s soul in every glass. It’s a whiskey that speaks to those who appreciate craftsmanship, tradition, and a taste that’s as untamed as the land it comes from.
A Whiskey Rooted in Colorado’s Soil
Laws Whiskey House, founded in 2011, has built its reputation on creating whiskeys that tell a story of place. The Founder’s Select is no exception. Crafted from heirloom grains grown on two family farms in Colorado, this bourbon is a testament to the state’s agricultural heritage. The mash bill—60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley—brings together the best of what Colorado’s fields have to offer. These grains aren’t just ingredients; they’re the heartbeat of a whiskey that captures the essence of the region’s terroir, from its high-altitude fields to its crisp mountain air.
What sets this bourbon apart is its deep connection to the land. Laws works closely with local farmers who cultivate heirloom varieties, grains that carry the character of Colorado’s soil and climate. This grain-forward approach ensures that every sip reflects the rugged beauty of the Rockies. It’s a bourbon that doesn’t just taste good—it feels like a journey through the state’s wide-open plains and towering peaks.
The Craft Behind the Bottle
The Founder’s Select is aged for at least four years in new 53-gallon charred oak barrels, a process that allows the whiskey to develop its bold yet approachable profile. At 45% ABV, it strikes a balance that makes it versatile enough for sipping neat, pouring over ice, or mixing into a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The distillery’s time-tested production methods, including a meticulous focus on each grain’s unique flavor, give this bourbon a complexity that invites slow, thoughtful enjoyment.
Al Laws, the founder of Laws Whiskey House, sums it up best: “This bourbon embodies the flavor of Colorado and the passion we bring to every barrel we produce.” His philosophy of “craft over commodity, quality over quantity, whiskey above all” shines through in this release. It’s a whiskey made for those who value the artistry of small-batch distillation, where every decision—from grain selection to barrel aging—is driven by a commitment to excellence.
Tasting the Colorado Difference
While specific tasting notes for Founder’s Select aren’t detailed in the announcement, its place in the Four Grain Bourbon lineup offers clues to its character. Laws’ Four Grain Bourbons are known for their rich, layered profiles, often featuring notes of sweet corn, warm spices, and subtle fruitiness from the heirloom grains. The Founder’s Select is designed to be both complex and approachable, making it a perfect introduction to the distillery’s portfolio for newcomers while still offering enough depth to satisfy seasoned whiskey drinkers.
Imagine pouring a glass after a long day, the amber liquid catching the light as you settle into a leather chair by the fireplace. The first sip might reveal a smooth sweetness from the corn, balanced by the earthy depth of heirloom wheat and a hint of spice from the rye. The malted barley adds a touch of richness, rounding out the experience with a finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another taste. Whether enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, this bourbon is crafted to be savored, a moment of quiet indulgence in a busy world.
Where to Find It
For those eager to get their hands on a bottle, Founder’s Select is available at the Laws Whiskey House Whiskey Sanctuary Visitor Center & Cocktail Lounge in Denver, a must-visit spot for whiskey enthusiasts. The distillery’s tasting room offers a chance to sample their creations in an atmosphere that celebrates Colorado’s whiskey culture. If you’re not in Denver, select Colorado retailers are also stocking this release, though its small-batch nature means it won’t last long on shelves.
The Whiskey Sanctuary isn’t just a place to buy a bottle—it’s an experience. Visitors can explore the distillery’s full range of whiskeys, from their flagship Four Grain Bourbon to limited releases like the Black and Gold Select, created in partnership with the University of Colorado Athletics. It’s a destination for those who want to dive deeper into the world of craft whiskey, with knowledgeable staff ready to share the story behind each pour.
A Legacy of Quality
Laws Whiskey House has spent over a decade perfecting its craft, earning a loyal following among those who seek out bold, distinctive whiskeys. Since its founding, the distillery has stayed true to its mission of creating spirits that reflect Colorado’s unique terroir. By partnering with local farmers and using traditional techniques, Laws ensures that every bottle tells a story of place and passion.
The Founder’s Select is more than just a new release—it’s a celebration of everything the distillery stands for. It’s a bourbon for those who appreciate the hard work of farmers, the skill of distillers, and the magic that happens when the two come together. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Laws or a newcomer curious about Colorado whiskey, this release is an invitation to taste the state’s spirit in its purest form.
Why It Matters
For whiskey drinkers, the Founder’s Select offers something special: a chance to connect with a place through every sip. It’s a reminder that great whiskey isn’t just about the liquid in the glass—it’s about the land, the people, and the traditions behind it. Laws Whiskey House has crafted a bourbon that’s as much a part of Colorado as the mountains themselves, a fitting tribute to the state’s rugged, independent spirit.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to pour a glass of Founder’s Select and raise a toast to the craft of whiskey-making. Whether you’re sharing it with friends around a firepit or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this bourbon is a companion for life’s simple pleasures. So, head to Denver or your local Colorado retailer, grab a bottle, and discover why Laws Whiskey House is redefining what American bourbon can be.
For more details on Laws Whiskey House and their full range of whiskeys, visit their website at lawswhiskeyhouse.com.
