History

After a spirited conversation in 2014, surrounded by the clear mountain air in Denver, Colorado, two lifelong friends, Austin Adamson and Eric Strom, had their whiskey-focused conversation that led to the founding of Ballmer Peak Distillery in November 2019. Ballmer Peak is described as a sustainability-driven, pandemic-survived nano-distillery with a cozy tasting room near Green Mountain in Lakewood, Colorado. The company offers a unique selection of small-batch spirits and cocktails with globally inspired flavor experiences and seasonal experiments—from rums, gins and vodka to whiskeys and more. During the pandemic, the distillery was among the first to switch to hand sanitizer and prioritize converting unwanted alcohol into sanitizer, which was provided to the local community at no cost. Later, vodka was added (produced from molasses) along with a range of other products, and there is research into a barrel program with rums, brandies and whiskies in various oak barrels. Ballmer Peak now offers cocktails in two tasting rooms — Green Mountain and Sheridan — and bottles for home, while continuously hosting events and new bottle releases.

Production / Manufacturing

Ballmer Peak Distillery presents itself as a sustainability-driven, nano-distillery that converts raw materials into quality spirits that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Light Whiskey is produced as a double-pot-distilled spirit from 100% malted barley and rests in oak for the shortest legally permitted aging time. The flavor is described as earthy and lightly smoky with notes of chocolate and a dry, earthy finish, enhanced by Scottish peated malt to give a layer of dry and smoky character.

Products / Whisky Series

• Light Whiskey – 46% ABV; double-pot-distilled from 100% malted barley and aged for the shortest possible time; flavor notes: earthy, smoke, chocolate (sic). This is the primary whiskey in the portfolio.
• Note: According to the content, there are no other named whiskies mentioned; Ballmer Peak also produces rums, gins, and vodka, but Light Whiskey is the named whiskey in the portfolio.

Visits / Experiences

Ballmer Peak offers two tasting rooms in Green Mountain and Sheridan, Lakewood, Colorado. The tasting is described as a mid-century, tiki-inspired, small-bar concept where handcrafted cocktails are made from spirits produced on site. - Green Mountain: 12347 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228 - Sheridan: 275 S Sheridan Blvd Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80226 Hours (example): - Monday: 3pm – 9pm - Tuesday: 3pm – 9pm - Wednesday: 3pm – 9pm - Thursday: 3pm – 9pm - Friday: 3pm – 10pm - Saturday: 1:30pm – 10pm - Sunday: 1:30pm – 9pm Menus and experiences are offered through their website and local tasting experiences.

Philosophy

Arizona-born, Colorado-crafted, with a focus on sustainability. Ballmer Peak highlights water usage as part of their culture, shaped by a desert background and a continual effort to reduce water use across production. During the pandemic, the distillery was among the first to switch to hand sanitizer and shared sanitizer with the local community at no cost. Their barrel program includes rums, brandies and whiskies in various matched oak barrels, and they have collaborated with Locke & Co Distilling using rye-wash and aspen discs in Outback Aspen Gin. Their business model also includes the option to enjoy cocktails in tasting rooms or to purchase bottles for home, and they continue with small-batch experiments and seasonal releases.