Whiskey Wanderlust: The Colorado Spirits Expedition

di Cory Comer & Ryan Hall

Stagione 1

06: Root Shoot Malting —"We wear lots of flannel." Deep Roots & Bold Malts with Todd & Emily Olander

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we head to Loveland, Colorado, to explore Root Shoot Malting—a fifth-generation family farm transforming Colorado-grown grains into award-winning spirits. Join us as we sit down with Todd and Emily Olander, the husband-wife duo behind Root Shoot, to hear how they built one of the most innovative craft malting operations in the state. From preserving family legacy and terroir to brewing partnerships and whiskey tasting notes, it’s a grain-to-glass story you won’t want to miss. On This Episode 1️⃣ What it means to be a "grain-to-glass" malting company in Colorado 2️⃣ How Root Shoot transitioned from commodity grains to specialty heritage grains 3️⃣ A behind-the-scenes look at their malting floor and facility 4️⃣ The story behind their new Bonded American Single Malt whiskey 5️⃣ How Root Shoot supports veterans and conservation projects through community brewing 👍 Like what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and drop us a comment!Which local farm-to-glass whiskey do you love most? 📍Visit Root Shoot in Loveland, CO or find them on the map at rootshootspirits.com This Episode’s Tasting 🥃 Root Shoot Spirits – Batch Two American Single Malt (Bonded) Additional Viewing ▶️ Watch the full tour on YouTube

S1 · E7

23 apr 2025

1:36:08

05: Talnua Distillery —“The American Whiskey with an Irish soul.” Reviving an ancient tradition with Patrick and Meagan Miller

🍀 What if the future of Irish whiskey was being made in Colorado? 🥃 In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we sit down with Patrick and Meagan Miller, the founders of Talnua Distillery, to explore how they’re pioneering Single Pot Still Whiskey—with a distinctly American twist. 🔥 Episode Highlights: 1️⃣ How a honeymoon in Ireland sparked America’s first Single Pot Still Distillery. 2️⃣ The difference between Irish Single Pot Still & American Single Malt Whiskey—and why Talnua is setting a new standard. 3️⃣ How Talnua Distillery blends Old World Irish whiskey traditions with New World American innovation to create a unique Single Pot Still style. 4️⃣ How Colorado’s climate, grain, and water influence their whiskey’s flavor. 5️⃣ The Acorn Project—Talnua’s commitment to high-impact philanthropic endeavors including natural resources and local farming. 6️⃣ How Talnua self-regulates according to the Irish Whiskey File, staying true to traditional pot still whiskey methods while innovating for American whiskey drinkers. 🥃 This Episode’s Tasting ✅ Talnua Distillery Heritage Selection ✅ Talnua Distillery 2025 Old Saints’ Keep 👍 Love whiskey? Subscribe, rate, and comment: What’s your go-to Single Pot Still pour? 📍 Visit Talnua Distillery in Arvada, CO to experience their award-winning whiskey firsthand! #WhiskeyWanderlust #TalnuaDistillery #AmericanSinglePotStill #ColoradoWhiskey #IrishWhiskey

S1 · E6

6 mar 2025

1:35:05

04B: Bootleg Interview with Al Laws, Founder of Laws Whiskey House — Bringing the Whiskey Sanctuary to Life

📍 In this Bootleg Episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we sit down with Al Laws, the founder of Laws Whiskey House, for an unexpected, no-holds-barred conversation about the creation of their new tasting room—the Whiskey Sanctuary. 🥃 What started as a quick chat turned into a 40-minute deep dive into the vision, challenges, and whiskey philosophy that makes Laws one of Colorado’s most respected distilleries. On This Episode: 🔹 How five years of permitting and two years of construction turned into one of Denver’s most impressive whiskey destinations. 🔹 The custom 250-pound staircase that caused months of delays (and why it was worth it). 🔹 The CU Athletics whiskey collaborations—including Ralphie’s Reserve and Black & Gold Bourbon. 🔹 The "No Shortcuts" philosophy—why Laws refuses to rush aging or source whiskey. 🔹 The evolution of Laws' whiskey blending process, from Cognac finishes to their custom French blending tank.

S1 · E5

26 feb 2025

29:24

04: Laws Whiskey - "There are no shortcuts." Creating great American Whiskey with Casey Rizzo & Sam Poirier

In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we visit Laws Whiskey House in Denver, where whiskey is crafted with patience, precision, and purpose. Hosts Cory and Ryan sit down with Casey Rizzo and Sam Poirier to discuss how Laws built its reputation with an unwavering commitment to quality and their ethos of “No Shortcuts.” From sourcing heirloom grains from local Colorado farms to their meticulous distillation and aging processes, Laws is defining what true grain-to-glass whiskey means. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at The Whiskey Sanctuary, their brand-new tasting room experience. Highlights from this episode: 🥃 How Laws Whiskey House grew into a powerhouse in Colorado’s whiskey scene. 🌾 Why their whiskey starts with Colorado-grown heirloom grains. ⏳ The role of patience in whiskey-making and why Laws never rushes the process. 🏛️ Inside their new tasting room, The Whiskey Sanctuary, a must-visit for whiskey lovers. 🤝 Their collaborative approach to distilling—no Master Distiller, just a dedicated team. 💧 How their Headwaters Series supports water conservation efforts. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform: [Podcast Link] 📍 Visit Laws Whiskey House: Website | Instagram 🔗 Follow Whiskey Wanderlust: Website | Instagram #WhiskeyWanderlust #LawsWhiskeyHouse #ColoradoWhiskey #CraftSpirits #Bourbon #RyeWhiskey #NoShortcuts

S1 · E4

12 feb 2025

1:31:42

03: Bear Creek —“We bought a saloon.” Bucking the trends with Jay Johnson & Ryan Stoltzfus

📍 Welcome to Whiskey Wanderlust! Join us as we visit Bear Creek Distillery in Denver, Colorado, for an inside look at their innovative spirits, vibrant tasting room, and inspiring community impact. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video: 1️⃣ The story of Bear Creek Distillery’s founding by lifelong friends. 2️⃣ How their grain-to-glass approach creates unique spirits like 100% rye vodka and rye whiskey. 3️⃣ A tour of their “steampunk ski lodge” tasting room, a must-visit destination for whiskey lovers. 4️⃣ Their dedication to supporting the community, from partnerships with local distilleries to projects helping unhoused teens. 5️⃣ The team-driven creativity that makes Bear Creek Distillery stand out in Colorado's thriving whiskey scene. 🥃 Featured Tasting: Bear Creek 100% Rye Vodka Bear Creek 100% Rye Whiskey Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome to Whiskey Wanderlust 1:20 - Bear Creek’s Founding Story 7:45 - Inside the Tasting Room 12:30 - Crafting Rye Vodka & Whiskey 18:15 - Community Impact & Collaboration 23:50 - Guided Tasting 29:10 - Closing Thoughts ✨ Don’t Miss This: Experience the passion and innovation behind Bear Creek Distillery. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or new to craft spirits, this episode offers something for everyone! 👍 Support the Channel: Subscribe for more craft distillery tours and tastings! Like this video if you enjoyed it! Comment below: What’s your favorite Colorado whiskey? 🎥 Subscribe now and join our journey through the world of whiskey! #BearCreekDistillery #ColoradoWhiskey #WhiskeyWanderlust #CraftSpirits #RyeWhiskey

S1 · E3

15 gen 2025

1:26:44

02: Distillery 291 — "How hard can it be?" Branding a Whiskey with Michael Myers & Eric Jett

Join us as we explore the bold and innovative world of Distillery 291, one of Colorado’s most iconic craft distilleries. In this episode, we sit down with founder Michael Myers to uncover his incredible journey from a career in fashion photography to becoming an award-winning distiller. Learn the fascinating story behind their unique still and how it transforms Colorado grains into world-class whiskey. We dive into their distinct approach to whiskey-making, including their use of toasted Aspen wood staves for finishing and their experimental series that pushes boundaries in the industry. From rich Colorado Bourbon to spicy Rye Whiskey and the innovative Aspen Stave Finished Whiskey, you’ll get an inside look at what makes each expression unforgettable. Don’t miss the Angel’s Share segment, where we discuss Distillery 291’s commitment to craftsmanship, community, and the artistry of creating whiskey with character. Highlights include: - Michael Myers’ journey from photography to distilling - The story behind 291’s one-of-a-kind still - A breakdown of their award-winning spirits: Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and more - The innovative finishing process with Aspen wood staves - A sneak peek into their experimental whiskey series - Pour yourself a dram and join us for this unforgettable journey into the heart of Colorado craft whiskey.

S1 · E2

11 dic 2024

59:26

01: Boulder Spirits — "I'm from Scotland. I'm going to make whiskey." Crafting American Single Malt with Boulder Spirits — Whiskey Wanderlust

Join us for the inaugural episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, where we dive into the heart of Colorado’s vibrant distilling scene. In this episode, we sit down with Alastair Brogan and Ryan Negley from Boulder Spirits to explore their remarkable journey from Scotland to the U.S., and how they're pioneering American Single Malt Whiskey. Discover the nuances of distilling at high altitude, the science behind their craft, and the community-focused initiatives that set them apart. Plus, don't miss our special tasting segment featuring their latest limited releases. Pour yourself a dram and embark on this unforgettable whiskey journey with us! On this Episode: The origins and story behind Boulder Spirits The push for American Single Malt Whiskey as a recognized category The challenges and benefits of distilling in Colorado’s unique climate Insights into community engagement and giving back, including projects like the Marshall Fire initiative This Episodes Tasting: Boulder American Single Malt The 10 Essentials Boulder American Single Malt 7-yr Bottles In Bond Additional Viewing: Episode in Video Format on YouTube The Boulder Spirits Distillery Tour on YouTube

S1 · E1

6 nov 2024

1:18:35