Colorado bourbon named best in the U.S. (outside of Kentucky)

Coloradans looking for excellent whiskey don’t need to look far. That’s according to the judges at the Whisky Magazine Awards, who recently honored several local distilleries in its nationwide competition.

Six Colorado spirits makers earned accolades in categories such as best finished bourbon made outside of Kentucky and best single-cask, single-malt whiskey. Additionally, Greg Metze of Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins was honored as master distiller of the year.

The Whisky Magazine Awards feature two separate segments – the World Whiskies Awards, which honors brands and beverages, and the Icons of Whisky awards, which honors the people and teams behind the brands. The competitions welcome both small and big companies, such as Buffalo Trace Distillery and Four Roses, which also took home awards this year.

Though it’s a nationwide competition, it’s technically considered a regional round, and the winners advance to the global stage where they compete against the winners from other countries.

“Recent data from the American Craft Spirits Association revealed that the United States’ craft distilling industry is firmly on the up,” said Bethany Brown, editor of “Whisky Magazine” and chair of judges for Icons of Whisky. “This is fantastic news not only for craft distillers, who are doing phenomenal work and creating incredible whiskeys that deserve wider appreciation, but also for us as consumers as a greater variety of products become more accessible.”

The Whisky Magazine Awards announce the top honors in London on March 20. Until then, toast to local libations with a glass of these award-winning whiskeys. (View the full winners list here.)

Colorado winners from the 2024 Whisky Magazine Awards, regional competition

Best finished bourbon (non-Kentucky) – Port Cask Finish, Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge

Best small-batch bourbon (non-Kentucky) – Four Grain Bourbon Cask Strength, Laws Whiskey House, Denver