Leopold Brothers Distillery: A Journey Through Craft Spirits
Leopold Brothers Distillery, nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, is a family-owned craft distillery that has been creating a myriad of spirits for several decades. With a rich history that spans multiple decades and a passion for traditional craftsmanship, Leopold Brothers has firmly cemented its position in the craft spirits industry. Their journey from a small brewpub in Ann Arbor, Michigan to becoming a prominent distillery in Denver is a testament to their commitment to quality, innovation, and their enduring love for crafting exceptional spirits.
In the world of craft spirits, it’s not just about the final product, it’s about the journey that leads to it. For Leopold Brothers, their journey is marked by a dedication to traditional distilling techniques, a commitment to using the highest quality ingredients, and a passion for creating spirits that offer a unique and captivating drinking experience. Come, let’s embark on a journey through craft spirits and explore the fascinating world of Leopold Brothers Distillery.
History of Leopold Brothers Distillery
Our journey begins in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Leopold Brothers first opened its doors as a brewpub before venturing into the realm of micro-distilling. This initial foray into the world of spirits laid the foundation for their future growth and success. In 2008, Leopold Brothers made a bold move by relocating to Denver, Colorado. This strategic decision paved the way for them to establish a new facility with triple the production capacity and a unique feature – a traditional floor malting room, the largest of its kind in the United States.
The decision to relocate to Denver was not just about expanding their production capacity, but it was also a strategic move that allowed Leopold Brothers to tap into Denver’s burgeoning craft spirits scene. Denver, with its vibrant food and drink culture, was the perfect backdrop for Leopold Brothers to continue their journey as craft distillers. This move marked a significant milestone in the history of Leopold Brothers, setting the stage for their future growth and success.
Distillery Tour Experience at Leopold Brothers
Visitors to Leopold Brothers Distillery are treated to an immersive tour that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their production processes. One of the highlights of the tour is their traditional floor malting room, the largest of its kind in the United States. This room allows Leopold Brothers to have complete control over the malting process, ensuring the highest quality malt for their spirits. From viewing the raw ingredients to witnessing the transformation into enticing spirits, the tour offers a comprehensive overview of the distillery’s operations.
But the tour experience at Leopold Brothers is more than just a walk through their facility, it’s an educational journey through the art of distilling. Guided by knowledgeable staff, guests are taken through each step of the distillation process, giving them a deeper understanding of how each bottle of spirits is crafted. The tour culminates with a tasting session, providing guests with the opportunity to savor the exceptional range of spirits produced by Leopold Brothers. This immersive and informative experience brings guests closer to the craft and passion that goes into every bottle of Leopold Brothers’ spirits.
Spirits and Liqueurs Produced by Leopold Brothers
At the heart of Leopold Brothers’ operations is their extensive range of spirits and liqueurs. With over twenty hand-numbered, small-batch products, Leopold Brothers offers a spirit for every palate. Their diverse range includes gin, vodka, rum, pisco, and whiskies, each crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and a meticulous attention to detail. But it’s their flavored liqueurs that truly set them apart. With flavors like blackberry, apple, cranberry, coffee, peach, cherry, and orange, these liqueurs showcase the versatility and creativity of Leopold Brothers’ distilling expertise.
One spirit that deserves a special mention is their American Small Batch Gin. This gin is a perfect example of Leopold Brothers’ commitment to quality and their innovative approach to distilling. Crafted with a custom blend of botanicals, including hand-zested citrus fruits and a mix of traditional and exotic spices, the gin offers a complex yet balanced flavor profile. Whether enjoyed neat or as part of a cocktail, this gin is a testament to Leopold Brothers’ commitment to crafting spirits that offer a unique drinking experience.
Distillation Process and Techniques
Innovation and tradition go hand in hand at Leopold Brothers. They employ a range of unique distillation processes and techniques to create their spirits. One such technique is the separate distillation of each botanical used in their spirits. This meticulous approach allows them to capture the optimal flavors from each botanical, resulting in spirits with a distinct character and complexity. By carefully controlling each step of the distillation process, Leopold Brothers strikes a remarkable balance between tradition and innovation in their spirits.
Take, for example, their Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey. This whiskey is crafted using a traditional recipe from the pre-Prohibition era, which includes a high percentage of malted barley in the mash bill. The whiskey is then aged in new charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop rich flavors and a smooth finish. This careful blending of traditional techniques and innovative approaches to distilling is what sets Leopold Brothers apart in the craft spirits industry.
The Largest Traditional Floor Malting Room in the U.S.
Leopold Brothers’ commitment to traditional distilling techniques is evident in their traditional floor malting room, the largest of its kind in the United States. This room allows them to malt their own grains, a process that is crucial to the production of spirits. By taking control of the malting process, Leopold Brothers ensures that their spirits are crafted with the highest quality malt. This is just one of the many ways that Leopold Brothers upholds the time-honored tradition of craft distilling.
The malting process plays a vital role in the production of spirits. It involves soaking the grains in water, allowing them to germinate, and then drying them in a kiln. This process converts the starches in the grains into sugars, which are then fermented to produce alcohol. By controlling each step of the malting process in their traditional floor malting room, Leopold Brothers is able to maintain a high level of quality and consistency in their spirits.
Awards and Recognition
Leopold Brothers’ dedication to excellence and craftsmanship has been recognized through numerous awards in international competitions. In 2015, they were honored with the prestigious Distillery of the Year award, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading craft distilleries in the industry. These accolades serve as a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found in Leopold Brothers’ spirits. Every award they receive is a validation of their commitment to crafting spirits that stand out for their quality and character.
One of their award-winning spirits is the American Small Batch Whiskey. Crafted with a blend of malted barley, corn, and rye, this whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels to develop rich flavors and a smooth finish. The attention to detail in the distillation process and the use of only the finest ingredients contribute to the exceptional quality of this whiskey, which has been recognized with multiple awards. Each sip of this award-winning whiskey is a testament to the passion and expertise that goes into every bottle of Leopold Brothers’ spirits.
Leopold Brothers’ Expansion and Innovation
Leopold Brothers’ expansion to Denver was a strategic decision that allowed them to increase their production capacity and further refine their distillation techniques. Their new facility, complete with the largest traditional floor malting room in the United States, allows them to meet the growing demand for their handcrafted spirits. But for Leopold Brothers, expansion is not just about increasing production, it’s also about pushing the boundaries of traditional distilling and continuing to innovate.
Leopold Brothers’ commitment to innovation is evident in their use of unique ingredients in their spirits. They source botanicals from all over the world, including rare and exotic spices, to create complex and distinct flavor profiles. This commitment to innovation extends to their distillation techniques as well. They use separate distillation for each botanical, a process that allows them to capture the optimal flavors from each ingredient. It is this dedication to innovation and quality that has allowed Leopold Brothers to leave their mark on the craft spirits industry.
Embracing Sustainability and Traditional Techniques
In addition to their commitment to quality and innovation, Leopold Brothers is dedicated to sustainability. They prioritize sourcing local and organic ingredients whenever possible, reducing their environmental impact and supporting local farmers. By embracing traditional distilling techniques, Leopold Brothers honors the legacy of craft distilling and ensures that the rich history of spirits production is preserved for future generations. Their approach to distilling embodies a harmonious blend of tradition, sustainability, and innovation.
Leopold Brothers’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond their production processes. They have implemented sustainable practices in their facility, including energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies. Their commitment to sustainability is not just about reducing their environmental impact, it’s also about supporting their local community. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, they are supporting the local economy and contributing to the sustainability of the farming industry in their region.
Leopold Brothers’ Impact on the Local Community
Leopold Brothers has become an integral part of the Denver community, contributing to the city’s vibrant craft spirits scene. They actively participate in local events, collaborate with local businesses, and support charitable initiatives. Their presence has not only elevated Denver’s reputation as a craft spirits destination, but it has also made a positive impact on the local economy.
Beyond their direct impact, Leopold Brothers also contributes to the local community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and supporting local businesses. This commitment to supporting local businesses extends to their collaborations with local chefs, bartenders, and other craft distilleries. By engaging with the local community in these ways, Leopold Brothers is fostering a sense of collaboration and community spirit, making them not just a distillery, but a valued member of the Denver community.
Leopold Brothers: Setting the Standard in Craft Distilling
Leopold Brothers Distillery stands out among its competitors with its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and traditional craftsmanship. Their range of spirits and liqueurs, crafted with natural ingredients and unique distillation techniques, offers a diverse and captivating drinking experience. Whether you are a spirits enthusiast or simply appreciate the artistry behind craft distilling, Leopold Brothers is a name that should not be overlooked.
Leopold Brothers’ dedication to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bottle they produce. Their spirits are crafted with precision and care, resulting in a range of products that are distinct and unforgettable. Whether it’s their award-winning gins, innovative whiskies, or delectable liqueurs, each product showcases the passion and expertise that goes into crafting these exceptional spirits. Leopold Brothers has set the standard for craft distilling, inspiring others in the industry to strive for excellence and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of spirits.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Leopold Brothers Distillery in Denver exemplifies the spirit of craft distilling, combining tradition, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Their range of spirits and liqueurs, crafted with natural ingredients and unique distillation techniques, offers a captivating drinking experience that spirits enthusiasts and newcomers alike will appreciate. But the Leopold Brothers experience goes beyond their spirits. Their commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and traditional distilling techniques makes them a truly unique and noteworthy distillery.
Experience the craft and passion of Leopold Brothers by visiting their website at whiskeypage.com. From learning more about their distilling processes to exploring their range of spirits, there’s so much to discover at Leopold Brothers. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits enthusiast or new to the world of craft spirits, Leopold Brothers offers a journey through the art of distilling that is sure to captivate and inspire. So why wait? Embark on a journey through craft spirits with Leopold Brothers today.
