Find great Colorado cocktails and meals at one stop

By Kristen Kuchar

Colorado’s craft distillery scene is thriving with an abundance of artisans producing award-winning spirits and putting the state on the map as a notable beverage destination. Some distilleries are elevating the drink experience even more by curating an equally impressive food menu.

At Breckenridge Distillery, liquid chef Billie Keithley explains that she works with executive chef Robbie Reyes to enhance the journey of every bite and sip. “Robbie is extremely talented with his creations and makes it exciting for me to pair along,” she says.

The combined efforts have resulted in exciting dishes and drinks. “Serving food with our spirits allowed us to find a perfect harmony and balance between pairing our menu with Billie’s cocktails,” Reyes says. “It’s a difficult thing to master but once you obtain that skill set the results are pretty amazing.”

A growing number of distilleries have begun to offer food and the following are a few examples.

Breckenridge Distillery

Breckenridge Distillery’s restaurant is reminiscent of an American steakhouse, with various cuts topped with braised mushrooms, spiked onions, chimichurri, a house steak sauce and more. But you’ll always find a seasonal vegetarian or vegan option, such as crispy tofu with Madras curry. A happy hour menu offers sweet potato hummus with pita, a steak melt sandwich and a burger.

Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse

The wood-fired pizzas at Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse are made with spent grains from the distilling process. These used grains are put to use again in the garlic knots (served with house-made San Marzano tomato sauce) and in crackers for the artisan charcuterie board. The Denver distillery also regularly hosts dinner and cocktail pairing events.

Clark & Co.’s Distilling

There are plenty of options at Clarke & Co.’s Distilling to share among friends – mac and cheese bites, Harissa-spiced hummus with grilled naan, chips and peach salsa, and burrata with a roasted tomato spread and pesto with crostini. Flatbreads, salads and burgers are also on the menu in Palisade, along with kid-friendly options and desserts.

Peach Street Distillers

Start off with made-to-order guacamole served with locally made tortilla chips or a flatbread topped with gin olive tapenade. In addition to tacos and sandwiches, pizzas are topped with untraditional options at the Palisade location. Look for Thai peanut sauce and house-made kimchi, bourbon barbecue chicken and a taco-inspired pie with pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce.

Photo by Jay Stewart of Stewart Photo Co.

Fraser Valley Distilling

The Fraser Valley Distilling food menu has something for everyone, including a vegan cheeseburger, smoked pulled pork sandwich with house-made BBQ sauce, eggplant parmesan served with garlic bread, or cornbread topped with local honey. On Sundays, brunch is available with a build-your-own hash, grits, biscuits with impossible gravy, and chicken and waffles. fraservalleydistilling.com

Old Elk Distillery

The Old Elk charcuterie boards include a variety of whiskey-friendly options: jalapeno elk cheddar brat, whiskey-aged cheddar and homemade pickled veggies. The Fort Collins distillery also offers a house pickle plate, truffle fries, baked mac and cheese, flatbread and warm pretzel bites served with beer mustard.

Deerhammer

The menu at Deerhammer in Buena Vista is described as “whiskey-inspired mountain comfort food.” With Rocky Mountain oysters, fish and chips, smoked wings and a bacon cheeseburger topped with house-smoked bourbon BBQ sauce, that’s pretty spot on. Vegetarian options include battered buffalo cauliflower served with blue cheese, and a veggie burger with chips or onion rings.

Kristen Kuchar is a freelance writer covering food, libations, music and other Colorado gatherings.