Frequently Asked Questions
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey offers an exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, crafted in the heart of Colorado's Rockies at one of the world's highest distilleries. This award-winning bourbon features a high-rye mash bill (56% corn, 38% rye, 6% malted barley) and is aged in charred American oak barrels, leveraging the unique high-altitude conditions to enhance its flavor complexity. With a deep honey-amber hue, it greets the nose with aromas of vanilla, brown sugar, and spices, complemented by subtle fruity notes. The palate delivers rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit, balanced by a spicy undertone and a smooth, light texture. Its long, sweet oak finish, with hints of bitterness, rounds out the tasting experience, making it ideal for sipping neat or in cocktails. Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), Breckenridge Bourbon is a true testament to craftsmanship, offering a distinctive, well-rounded profile for bourbon connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Process & Profile
Breckenridge Bourbon is meticulously crafted using a high-rye mash bill that consists of 56% corn, 38% rye, and 6% malted barley. The distillation process happens in small batches using a Vendome copper pot still, ensuring precise quality control. Aged in new American oak barrels for a minimum of 2-3 years, the whiskey benefits from the high-altitude aging process at 9,600 feet. This extreme environment, with its intense temperature fluctuations, accelerates the interaction between the spirit and the oak, imparting depth and complexity. To finish, the whiskey is proofed with pure Rocky Mountain snowmelt, ensuring a luscious mouthfeel and refined balance.Tasting Notes
Experience the balanced complexity of Breckenridge Bourbon in every sip.- Nose: Aromas of vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and baked apples mingle with hints of cinnamon and pine.
- Palate: The whiskey opens with bold flavors of butterscotch, toffee, and caramel, followed by accents of oak and a gentle rye spice. A subtle sweetness of red fruit and a touch of cedar add layers to the profile.
- Finish: Medium-long with a warm, spiced heat, complemented by lingering oak and peppermint.
What Makes It Special
- Unique High-Altitude Aging: The 9,600-foot elevation provides dramatic weather shifts that enhance barrel aging, creating a rich, complex bourbon.
- Signature Rocky Mountain Snowmelt: The crystal-clear water used for proofing adds a distinctive minerality and smoothness.
- Award-Winning Legacy: Breckenridge Bourbon has received multiple accolades, including being a four-time recipient of the "Best American Blended" title at the World Whiskies Awards.
- Crafted with a High-Rye Mash Bill: The high percentage of rye lends the bourbon its characteristic spice, setting it apart from other bourbons.
How to Enjoy
Breckenridge Bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:- Neat or On the Rocks: Savor the intricate balance of flavors in its purest form.
- Cocktails: Its high-rye mash bill and bold profile make it an excellent base for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
- Paired with Food: Complement its spicy warmth with smoked meats, dark chocolate, or aged cheeses for a sophisticated pairing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey made from?
Breckenridge Bourbon is crafted from a high-rye mash bill consisting of 56% yellow corn, 38% green rye, and 6% unmalted barley. This combination provides a balance of sweetness, spice, and complexity.
How is Breckenridge Bourbon aged, and for how long?
The bourbon is aged for a minimum of 2 years in new American oak barrels with a level 3 char. The typical bottling age is between 3 to 8 years, with the aging process accelerated by the high-altitude environment of the Rocky Mountains.
What makes Breckenridge Bourbon unique?
Breckenridge Bourbon is produced in Breckenridge, Colorado, at the world's highest distillery—9,600 feet above sea level. This high-altitude setting results in increased evaporation (angel's share) and rapid maturation, which enhances the bourbon's flavor profile. The distillery also uses mineral-rich water sourced from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, contributing to its distinct taste.
What proof is Breckenridge Bourbon?
Breckenridge Bourbon is bottled at 86 proof, offering a smooth and balanced experience. The distillery also produces a 105-proof version for fans of higher-proof whiskies.
What flavors can be expected from Breckenridge Bourbon?
This bourbon delivers a mix of flavors, including cinnamon, rye spice, oak, vanilla, honey, and hints of pepper. There is a balance of sweetness and spice, with a medium-length finish featuring a subtle burn.
Is Breckenridge Bourbon considered a "straight bourbon"?
Yes, Breckenridge Bourbon meets the criteria for "straight bourbon," as it is aged for at least 2 years in new charred oak barrels and contains no additives besides water for proofing.
Does Breckenridge Bourbon win awards?
Yes, Breckenridge Bourbon has received numerous accolades, including a Gold Medal at the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition in the UK.
What other products does Breckenridge Distillery offer?
Besides their classic bourbon, Breckenridge Distillery features several variations, such as Port Cask and PX Sherry Cask Finished Bourbons, a high-proof bourbon, spiced whiskey, and a Rum Cask Finish bourbon. They also produce Dark Arts Single Malt and award-winning spirits like their Spiced Rum.
How should Breckenridge Bourbon be enjoyed?
This bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned. Its balance of flavors makes it suitable for both sipping and mixing.
Where does Breckenridge source its barrels and grains?
The distillery uses American Oak barrels sourced from across the U.S., charred to level 3 for optimal flavor extraction. Spent grains from the distillation process are sent to local ranches for cattle feed, promoting sustainability.
Is Breckenridge Bourbon gluten-free?
While the grains used in the mash bill include barley and rye, the distillation process typically eliminates gluten, making most bourbons safe for people with gluten sensitivities. However, those with severe allergies should consult with a doctor before consumption.
Why does Breckenridge Bourbon age more quickly than other bourbons?
The high-altitude environment of Breckenridge, Colorado, combined with its dry climate, increases the interaction between the whiskey and the barrel wood, accelerating the aging process.
What is the difference between Breckenridge Bourbon and Breckenridge Whiskey finishes?
Breckenridge Bourbon meets all the legal requirements to be classified as bourbon. Once the bourbon is re-barreled in specialty casks like Sherry or Port barrels, it is then considered a whiskey rather than a bourbon, as additional flavors from the secondary barrels are introduced.
What is the environmental impact of Breckenridge Bourbon's production?
The distillery takes eco-friendly steps by recycling its spent grains as cattle feed and reusing barrels in other spirits or for furniture. They also utilize locally sourced ingredients, reducing their carbon footprint.
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