Laws Whiskey House, a Denver-based distillery known for its bold, grain-forward whiskeys, has released its 2025 Headwaters Series – Rio Grande Rye Edition, a limited-edition spirit that pays tribute to one of Colorado’s most vital and threatened waterways. This release, the second in the distillery’s annual Headwaters Series, isn’t just about crafting a fine rye whiskey; it’s a call to action for water conservation, reflecting the rugged spirit of the American Southwest and the hardworking farmers who depend on its rivers.
The Rio Grande Rye Edition is a celebration of the Rio Grande River, a lifeline that winds through the San Luis Valley, nourishing multi-generational family farms like the Cody Family Farm, where the heirloom rye for this whiskey is grown. This river, recently named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2025 by American Rivers, faces mounting challenges—dwindling aquifer levels, severe dustbowl conditions, and one of the lowest snowpacks on record in 2024. These threats put immense pressure on the farmers and communities who rely on the river for agriculture, recreation, and survival. Laws Whiskey House is stepping up, donating 10% of the proceeds from this release to the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, which works to stabilize riverbanks, improve irrigation systems, and protect habitats while supporting the region’s agricultural needs.
Crafted with 100% heirloom rye grown in the San Luis Valley, this straight rye whiskey is aged for 4 to 8 years in charred oak barrels, giving it a robust, earthy character that reflects the region’s unique terroir. What makes this whiskey stand out is its use of purified Rio Grande water to proof it down, infusing the spirit with the river’s distinct mineral profile. The result is a whiskey that’s as bold and complex as the landscape it honors, with flavors that tell the story of the land and the people who work it.
Laws Whiskey House, founded in 2011, has built a reputation for producing whiskeys that highlight the grains grown by Colorado’s family farms. Their grain-forward approach emphasizes the natural flavors of heirloom wheat, barley, rye, and corn, creating spirits that are as authentic as they are distinctive. The Rio Grande Rye Edition is no exception, offering a taste that’s deeply tied to the San Luis Valley’s rugged terrain and agricultural heritage. “Water is everything to us,” said Al Laws, the distillery’s founder. “It’s not just about making whiskey—it’s about the communities and ecosystems that depend on rivers like the Rio Grande. This release is our way of giving back and keeping that conversation alive.”
The Headwaters Series, which launched its first release in June 2024 with a Four Grain Bourbon honoring the Colorado River, is more than just a lineup of limited-edition whiskeys. It’s a commitment to raising awareness about the importance of Colorado’s rivers. The Colorado River bourbon supports the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition, while the Rio Grande Rye Edition focuses on the urgent needs of the Rio Grande. Each bottle sold helps fund efforts to protect these critical waterways, ensuring they remain a resource for future generations.
Available exclusively at the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary in Denver for $84.99, the Rio Grande Rye Edition is a distillery-only release, making it a must-have for whiskey enthusiasts who value rarity and purpose. The bottle’s release in May 2025 comes at a critical time, as the San Luis Valley grapples with environmental challenges that threaten both its economy and way of life. By choosing this whiskey, buyers aren’t just getting a high-quality rye—they’re supporting a cause that matters.
For those who appreciate a whiskey with a story, the Rio Grande Rye Edition delivers. It’s a spirit that captures the heart of Colorado’s agricultural roots, the resilience of its people, and the urgent need to protect the rivers that sustain them. Whether sipped neat or mixed into a classic cocktail, this rye is a reminder of the connection between the land, the water, and the craft of whiskey-making. For more details on Laws Whiskey House and its mission, visit their website at lawswhiskeyhouse.com.
