History

Wood’s High Mountain Distillery is located in Salida, Colorado (144 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201). The distillery produces whisky, vodka and liqueur and markets itself as a high-altitude product lineup, with aging in Colorado at high altitude (above 7,000 ft) for some whiskies. Tours and tastings are part of the experience in the Tasting Room.

Production/Manufacturing

Aging and raw materials take place at high altitude in Colorado. Tenderfoot American Malt Whiskey is made from 77% malted barley, 6% chocolate malt and 9% cherrywood smoked malt, 13% malt-rye and 10% malt-wheat, and ages a minimum of 2 years in #1 and #3 char New American oak. Alpine Rye Whiskey consists of 73% malt-rye and 27% malt barley malts (13.5% chocolate barley malt and 13.5% cherrywood smoked barley malt), aged a minimum of 2 years in new charred American oak. Dawn Patrol Colorado Single Malt Whiskey is 100% malted grain (55% two-row malted barley and 45% cherrywood smoked malted barley), aged 5 years in #3-charred New American Oak. Sawatch American Malt Whiskey consists of 77% malt barley (6% chocolate malt and 9% cherrywood smoked malt), 13% malt-rye and 10% malt-wheat, aged 4-5 years in 53-gallon new oak.

The distillery also produces San Luis Valley Potato Vodka (50 miles south of the distillery; triple-distilled; water from Colorado snowmelt; 40% ABV) and Fleur de Sureau Elderflower Liqueur (elderflower, lemon zest and honey; lightly sweet with floral notes; used in Hugo Spritz). There are also special releases in the Distiller’s Reserve series and collaborations such as Tread Lightly (a blend of Tenderfoot Malt Whiskey and Dry Land Antero Wheat Grain Whiskey, 50% ABV).

Products/Whisky Series

• Tenderfoot American Malt Whiskey — Mash: 77% malted barley, 6% chocolate malt, 9% cherrywood smoked malt; 13% malt-rye; 10% malt-wheat; aged a minimum of 2 years in #1 and #3 char New American oak; 90 proof (45% ABV). Whiskey Advocate 85 points; Beverage Testing Institute 89 points.
• Alpine Rye Whiskey — Mash: 73% malt-rye, 27% malt barley malts (13.5% chocolate barley malt and 13.5% cherrywood smoked barley malt); aged a minimum of 2 years in new charred American oak; 49% ABV. Rating: 91 points from Whiskey Advocate; 8.9/10 from American Whiskey Magazine.
• Dawn Patrol Colorado Single Malt Whiskey — 100% malted grains; 55% two-row malted barley; 45% cherrywood smoked malt; aged 5 years in #3-charred New American Oak; 49% ABV. Notes: leather, smoke, chocolate and baking spices.
• Sawatch American Malt Whiskey — Mash: 77% malt barley (6% chocolate malt; 9% cherrywood smoked malt); 13% malt-rye; 10% malt-wheat; aged 4-5 years in 53-gallon new #3-charred American oak; 49-50.5% ABV. Tasting notes: rye spice, dark chocolate, malt, toffee, oak, vanilla, and a long finish.
• Distiller’s Reserve/Tread Lightly — Release series: a blend of Wood’s Tenderfoot Malt Whiskey and Dry Land Antero Wheat Grain Whiskey; ABV 50% (100 Proof); original label artwork by John Cross.

• Sawatch and Alpine Rye Distiller’s Reserve releases are mentioned (Release 1-3) and include older batches and single-barrel details.

• San Luis Valley Potato Vodka — 40% ABV; made from Colorado potatoes; triple-distilled; water from Colorado snowmelt; bottle sizes 750 ml, 200 ml and 750 ml aluminum Backcountry Bottle.

• Fleur de Sureau Elderflower Liqueur — made with dried elderflower, lemon zest and local honey; floral and earthy notes; lightly sweetened; used in cocktails such as Hugo Spritz.

Visit/Experiences

• Tasting room with cocktails and tastings; tasting flights always available; bartenders can guide you through the spirits. The tour program is currently suspended, but walk-in tours can often be arranged through the bartender. Find our products at retailers via the Product Locator; delivery options vary and not in all markets; products can also be ordered for pickup at the distillery.
• Contact: Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, 144 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201, USA; Tel. 719-207-4315; email [email protected]

Philosophy

• Focus on high-altitude aging and Colorado-sourced ingredients, delivering robust whiskies and special releases. Each variant aims to capture Colorado's nature and the high-altitude dimensions in the spirit's flavor profile.