Bear Creek Distillery

Bear Creek Distillery
1879 S Acoma Street
Denver, CO 80223

When I first heard of Bear Creek it was when they released their first batch of Rye Whiskey to Molly Spirits.  Shortly after our friends at Laws Whiskey House recommended that we take a stroll down the road to visit their facility. Lucky for us we did!  We met with Jay Johnson one of the co-owners of Bear Creek Distillery and he shared their story with us.
 As most know I love the story behind the product.  The blood sweat and tears that most don’t know when they purchase a product off the shelf.  This is a story that truly puts a smile on my face since I live very close to how the origins of this distillery come into play. 
 So what does it mean when the distillery says “Born in Lakewood Raised in Denver”?  Well I have the story for you.  Friends in High School that came together later in life to put this distillery in motion.  When deciding on the name of their new found adventure they went back to where they met.  Bear Creek High School. 
Their facility, though it looks smaller in size is filled with absolute greatness.  The feel is warm and inviting with their tasting room/pub right inside the door.  They have a beautiful bar area where their team makes some fantastic drinks which only includes their spirits, (honestly I think is how it should be done).  Their current line up consist of Wheat Vodka, Rye Vodka, Silver Rum, Cask Strength Rum, White Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey.  So you have lots to choose from.  Being a whiskey woman myself I try not to indulge in other spirits unless they are highly recommended to me.  Heck what am I saying I will try just about anything at least once.  Jay recommended that we try the Rye Vodka.  Now I will tell you I am not a vodka fan.  To me most vodkas are tasteless unless some fruity flavor is added and then you have other reasons behind why you are drinking them, like a martini.  BUT Bear Creek’s Rye Vodka is absolutely amazing.  This is a vodka that anyone that prefers their whiskey straight can sip and truly enjoy the flavors that it possesses.  Did we buy it? Yes, we sure did!
The still they use is German made, which is what their friends at Koval in Chicago use.  Their head distiller, Jeff was able to spend some time there and knew this was the design that Bear Creek needed to produce their products.  Their products are grain to glass and their grains are sourced locally.  They use 30 gallon barrels, so there is less aging time needed to get their product in the bottle.  Bear Creek’s products can be found in 300 different establishments across Colorado and they are thinking that their next move might be Nebraska.
Their location is open Wednesday through Sunday hours varying.  I highly recommend that you stop by and see what they have to offer.  They rent out their space for events as well.  So if you are looking for venue that truly represents whiskey and Colorado you need to check this place out.  It has a great barn wood/modern feel and their old fashion is absolutely perfect!
 I know that many business ventures come in all shapes in sizes, married couples (like my parents), family members, silent partners, and some as friends.  The last thing that Jay shared with me, that truly made sense especially with how Bear Creek started, is that they are FRIENDS first and business partners second.  As it should be!