Spirit Hound Distillers, based in Colorado, recently unveiled their latest addition to their spirits lineup: the Barrel Project Bourbon. This new bourbon marks a significant expansion for Spirit Hound, moving from quarterly releases to a year-round availability, fulfilling the persistent requests from their loyal customers.
Image credit: Spirit Hound Distillers
Known for their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible, Spirit Hound prides itself on crafting, aging, and bottling its own spirits. However, due to capacity limitations and high demand for their existing products, such as their renowned American Single Malt Whisky, they could only release their in-house bourbon periodically.
To meet the growing demand while maintaining their high standards, Spirit Hound embarked on a quest to find the perfect partner distillery for their new bourbon expression. After extensive tastings and deliberations, co-founder and Master Distiller Craig Engelhorn found a suitable base bourbon that aligned with their flavor profile and quality expectations.
The Barrel Project Bourbon undergoes a meticulous aging process in fresh American white oak barrels, charred to specific levels (#4 for the barrel and #3 for the barrel head). What sets this bourbon apart is its unique finishing touch: it spends time in barrels previously used for Spirit Hound's award-winning American Single Malt Whisky. This secondary aging not only imparts elements of Spirit Hound's distinctive whisky flavor but also captures the essence of Colorado's aging climate.
Like all of Spirit Hound's whiskies, each bottle of Barrel Project Bourbon is treated as a single barrel release, showcasing the nuances of each individual barrel. This approach ensures that every batch offers a unique tasting experience, appreciated by bourbon enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
While Barrel Project Bourbon joins their lineup as a year-round offering, Spirit Hound remains committed to their core values and will continue to produce their signature in-house bourbon, with the next release scheduled for September. This bourbon features a mash bill dominated by corn and complemented by malted barley and rye, reflecting their dedication to creating distinct and flavorful spirits.
For fans of Spirit Hound Distillers and bourbon aficionados across Colorado, the release of Barrel Project Bourbon represents not only a new chapter in the distillery's journey but also a celebration of craftsmanship, quality, and community. As they expand their production thoughtfully and responsibly, Spirit Hound remains dedicated to delivering exceptional spirits that embody the spirit of Colorado.
About Spirit Hound Distillers
Spirit Hound Distillers is a craft distillery located in Lyons, Colorado, known for its dedication to producing high-quality spirits with a focus on local ingredients and artisanal methods. Established in 2012, Spirit Hound embodies the spirit of its mountainous surroundings, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and rugged character of the Colorado Rockies.
One of Spirit Hound's distinctive features is its commitment to using Colorado-grown grains and other locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This emphasis on locality not only supports the regional economy but also ensures freshness and quality in their products. Each batch is crafted with care, reflecting the passion and expertise of their distillers.
The distillery offers a range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, and liqueurs, each meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the Rocky Mountains. Their flagship product is the Straight Malt Whiskey, which has garnered acclaim for its smoothness and complexity, reflecting years of aging and careful blending.
Beyond their core spirits, Spirit Hound Distillers is also known for their innovative small-batch releases and seasonal offerings. These limited editions often showcase experimental flavors or unique aging techniques, appealing to both connoisseurs and adventurous spirit enthusiasts.
In addition to producing exceptional spirits, Spirit Hound Distillers has created a welcoming environment for visitors at their distillery in Lyons. The tasting room offers guests the opportunity to sample their spirits and learn about the distillation process firsthand. The distillery also hosts tours and events, providing an educational and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in craft distilling.
Overall, Spirit Hound Distillers stands out not only for their quality spirits but also for their commitment to craftsmanship, local sourcing, and community engagement. They continue to be a cherished part of Colorado's vibrant craft distilling scene, appealing to both locals and visitors alike who appreciate the artistry and authenticity of small-batch spirits.