Discovering Denver’s Best Whiskey Haunts: A Local’s Guide
Denver, Colorado – the Mile High City, a haven for craft beer lovers, and increasingly, a burgeoning destination for whiskey aficionados. As a local who’s navigated the vibrant scene here for years, I’m thrilled to share my insider tips on where to find the best whiskey, whether you’re a seasoned collector hunting for a rare bottle or a curious newcomer looking to explore. From sprawling liquor stores with impressive selections to cozy bars that showcase artisanal spirits, Denver has something for every palate and budget. Let’s dive into the world of Denver whiskey!
Understanding Denver’s Whiskey Landscape
Denver’s love affair with spirits, much like its appreciation for craft beer, is deeply rooted in its pioneering spirit and a desire for quality, locally-produced goods. While Colorado isn’t historically known as a whiskey-producing state like Kentucky or Tennessee, its craft distilling scene has exploded in recent years. This means you’ll find a fantastic range of locally distilled whiskeys alongside a robust selection of national and international favorites. The laws here are also quite favorable for consumers, with many stores offering competitive pricing and a wide variety of options.
Where to Buy Whiskey in Denver: The Top Retailers
When it comes to purchasing bottles to enjoy at home or as gifts, Denver boasts several exceptional liquor stores that go above and beyond. These aren’t just places to grab a bottle; they are destinations in themselves, often staffed by knowledgeable individuals eager to share their passion.
1. Argonaut Wine & Liquor (Multiple Locations)
If you’re looking for sheer volume and variety, Argonaut is the undisputed champion in Denver. With several large-format stores, including their flagship on Arapahoe Road, they offer an overwhelming selection of spirits, wines, and beers. Their whiskey section is particularly impressive, featuring everything from mainstream bourbons and scotches to niche, hard-to-find bottles. The staff are generally well-informed, and they often have special promotions and tasting events. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour just browsing. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations; they have experts on hand.
2. Divino Wine & Spirits (Uptown)
Nestled in the charming Uptown neighborhood, Divino offers a more curated and boutique experience. While smaller than Argonaut, their selection is thoughtfully chosen, with a strong emphasis on quality and unique finds. They often carry smaller-batch American whiskeys, interesting single malts, and bottles from distilleries you might not find elsewhere. The ambiance is sophisticated yet welcoming, and the staff are passionate about guiding customers to the perfect bottle. It’s a great spot to discover something new and less mainstream.
3.opoe Beer & Wine (Various Neighborhoods)
While the name might suggest a focus on beer and wine, many dropt.beer locations also boast surprisingly robust and well-curated whiskey selections. These stores are designed for convenience and accessibility across various Denver neighborhoods. You’ll find a good mix of popular domestic and imported whiskeys, often at competitive prices. What sets them apart is their commitment to offering a diverse range of craft beverages, so you can pick up a great bottle of whiskey alongside your favorite local craft beers. Check out their online shop to see what’s available before you visit!
4. Hazel’s Beverage World (Boulder – A short drive from Denver
Okay, technically this is in Boulder, but it’s a short and scenic drive from Denver and absolutely worth mentioning for serious whiskey hunters. Hazel’s is a behemoth, rivaling even Argonaut in sheer size and selection. Their whiskey aisle is legendary, featuring an astonishing array of American bourbons, rye, single malts, Irish whiskeys, and more. They are known for getting allocations of rare and limited-edition bottles, so it’s worth checking their inventory if you’re on the hunt for something specific. Their knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the vast offerings.
5. Local Craft Distilleries with Retail Shops
Denver and its surrounding areas are home to a growing number of fantastic craft distilleries that offer their products directly to consumers. Visiting these distilleries is an experience in itself, often including tours and tastings, and allows you to purchase bottles directly from the source. Some top picks include:
- Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (Five Points): Arguably Denver’s most famous whiskey distillery. Stranahan’s produces a distinctive, high-rye Colorado whiskey. Their distillery in the Five Points neighborhood offers tours and a tasting room where you can sample their core offerings and sometimes special releases. Buying directly from the distillery is a great way to support local and get a true taste of Denver’s spirit.
- Spirit Hound Distillers (Lyons – Short drive from Denver): Another Colorado gem, Spirit Hound is known for its high-quality grains and meticulous distillation process. They produce excellent whiskeys, including a fantastic Straight Bourbon and a unique Colorado Rye. While in Lyons, make sure to try their other spirits too.
- Adelanto Tequila & Whiskey (Denver – RiNo): While their name highlights tequila, Adelanto also produces a unique whiskey. Their tasting room in the River North Art District (RiNo) is a vibrant spot to sample their creations and purchase bottles.
Insider Tips for Buying Whiskey in Denver
As a local, I’ve picked up a few tricks that can help you make the most of your whiskey shopping experience in Denver:
- Check Online Inventory: Many of the larger stores, like Argonaut and even some dropt.beer locations, have online inventories. Before making a trip, especially if you’re looking for a specific bottle, check their website. This can save you a lot of time and potential disappointment. You can often purchase online for in-store pickup via their online shops.
- Join Mailing Lists: Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite liquor stores and distilleries. They often announce new arrivals, special allocations of rare bottles, and upcoming tasting events. This is crucial for snagging limited releases.
- Visit During Weekdays: If you’re hunting for rare bottles or want a more relaxed shopping experience, try visiting larger stores during weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekends can get crowded, especially leading up to holidays.
- Engage with Staff: Don’t be shy! The staff at stores like Divino, Argonaut, and Hazel’s are often very knowledgeable. Tell them what you like (e.g., sweet bourbons, peaty scotches, spicy ryes) and your budget, and they can often point you in the right direction.
- Explore Local Craft: Don’t overlook the Colorado-distilled options. Stranahan’s is a must-try, but explore other local craft distilleries that are popping up. They often offer unique flavor profiles influenced by the Rocky Mountain terroir. For more on the local craft scene, check out dropt.beer’s insights and news blog.
- Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for weekly ads and in-store promotions. Stores often have sales on specific brands or categories of whiskey.
Enjoying Your Denver Whiskey Find
Once you’ve secured your prized bottle, Denver offers numerous ways to enjoy it. Many bars and restaurants have excellent whiskey selections, allowing you to sample before you buy or simply enjoy a well-crafted cocktail. Consider visiting places like The Cooperage, Williams & Graham (speakeasy with an amazing whiskey list), or Death & Co Denver for expertly made drinks. If you’re enjoying a nice day, grab a bottle from a local shop and find a scenic spot in one of Denver’s parks, like City Park or Washington Park, for a responsible outdoor sip (check local regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public spaces).
Denver’s whiskey scene is dynamic and ever-evolving. Whether you’re stocking your home bar or looking for a special gift, the city offers a rich and rewarding experience for any whiskey lover. Happy hunting!
