Trail of the Spirits: A Sip-Worthy Tour Through Boulder County’s Best Distilleries
From bold single malts to lavender-infused gin, these three local distilleries are redefining Colorado craft spirits—one pour at a time.
Boulder Spirits (aka Vapor Distillery) – Boulder
The original trailblazer of Boulder’s distilling scene, Boulder Spirits is where Scottish single malt tradition meets Rocky Mountain boldness. Located in a converted warehouse tucked off the bike path, the space is home to Colorado’s largest copper pot still and a team of true whiskey nerds.
Founded by a former aerospace engineer, Boulder Spirits produces a range of spirits—from a rich American Single Malt to cask-finished bourbons and an exceptionally smooth gin. Their tasting room walks the line between industrial speakeasy and experimental lab, and the staff are equal parts knowledgeable and welcoming.
Pro Tip: Book a guided whiskey tour (offered Thursday through Saturday), then stay for a flight and soak up the story behind every sip.
DEKi Spirits – Lafayette
Just 20 minutes from Boulder, DEKi Spirits is a vibrant distillery with a personality all its own. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ernie and Kristin, this Lafayette spot is a colorful, casual hangout with a cocktail list that refuses to play it safe. Think: lavender gin, pineapple rum, spiced whiskey, and seasonal cocktails that taste like a weekend well spent.
The tasting room feels more like your coolest friend’s converted garage—with board games, garage doors flung open in the summer, and a rotation of house cocktails that range from fresh and floral to full-on decadent. You never quite know what they'll be pouring next—and that’s the point.
Pro Tip: Try the full tasting flight, then ask the bartender to turn your favorite spirit into a custom cocktail. The “Picante Cariño” is a crowd-pleaser with a spicy twist.
Spirit Hound Distillers – Lyons
Tucked in the foothills of Lyons, Spirit Hound Distillers is worth the scenic drive for its small-town charm and serious distilling chops. Best known for its American Single Malt—crafted from scratch using pure mountain snowmelt—Spirit Hound has earned national acclaim while keeping things refreshingly low-key.
Everything here is made in-house, from their gin and rum to cocktail bitters. The tasting room has cozy cabin vibes and a sunny back patio perfect for sipping post-hike. With a loyal local following and the occasional live music night, Spirit Hound feels like a well-kept secret you’ll want to share.
Pro Tip: Order a whiskey flight and snag a patio seat at golden hour. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of their live bluegrass nights or an impromptu cocktail class.
Each of these Boulder County distilleries brings something unique to the glass: Boulder Spirits delivers precision and tradition, DEKi brings the creativity, and Spirit Hound offers mountain-made authenticity. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a cocktail adventurer, this self-guided tasting tour is your invitation to sip like a local.
Just don’t forget to pace yourself—and maybe line up a designated driver. These spirits don’t mess around.
