History

Downslope Distilling was started in 2009 in Colorado based on the idea that interesting and complex spirits could be made on a small scale by passionate people. The company emphasizes small batches and craftsmanship and believes that one should not compromise when starting from raw ingredients and taking them all the way to the finished bottle.

Production and Approach

The company emphasizes using raw ingredients and the process from raw material to the finished bottle without cutting corners. The motto is Small batch. Hand-Crafted Spirits. Downslope distinguishes itself by being part of the Colorado community and by supporting locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with local actors. Fermentation and the link between proud local ingredients and craftsmanship are reflected in their praise of Colorado local ingredients and in partnerships with local suppliers such as Whiskey Sisters Supply and Purgatory Wine Cellars. They offer guided tours, tastings, and a distillery-lover's lineup of experiences such as tours, 3-day workshops, and to-go cocktails.

Products and Whisky Series

Downslope Distilling produces a range of whiskies and related spirits. Examples include:

• 100% Peated Downslope American Single Malt Whiskey (Single Malt + Peated)
• Double Diamond Whiskey (hybrid, Solera-aged, aged in red wine and new barrels)
• Bourbon Release 2025 (51% corn, 49% malted barley, aged in a single new American oak barrel, 90 proof)
• Bourbon Release #3 (51% corn, 49% malted barley, aged in a new oak barrel, 90 proof)
• Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (52.4% ABV, Apple Wine Cask Finish, special edition available only at select retailers)
• Single Barrel Bourbon (2025 Single Barrel Release)
• Malted Oat Whiskey Limited Release 2025 (51% malted oats, 49% malted barley, aged over 2 years, fewer than 150 bottles)
• 100% Peated Downslope American Single Malt Whiskey (peated single malt)
• Oaked and other releases such as 2025 Malt Oat Limited Release

The majority of the bourbon and malt whiskies are driven by local ingredients and small-batch production, and some of the products are sold through distillery and event sales venues such as the Distillery Tasting Room and Parker Farmers Market.

Visits and Experiences

Downslope Distilling offers visits and experiences such as:

• Distillery Tours: Behind the scenes of production, opportunities to ask questions of the makers, and finish with a tasting of three spirits and a Glencairn glass to take home.
• Hands-On Workshop 3-Day Class: A 3-day hands-on class in Centennial, Colorado, where participants learn fermentation, distillation, and aging of several spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, and agave spirit. The class usually runs from 9:00 to 16:00.
• To-Go Cocktails and Old Fashioned / Pain Killer to Go: Opportunity to purchase ready-made cocktails to take home from the distillery.
• Tasting Room: A similar opportunity to visit the tasting at the Centennial location and experience getting a Glencairn glass as a keepsake.

Philosophy

Downslope Distilling expresses a Colorado soul in their small-batch and craft-focused approach. They emphasize starting from raw ingredients and taking them all the way to the finished bottle without commercial shortcuts and improving each batch through reflection and quality. They support Colorado’s craft community—from farmers to winemakers and distillers. They highlight the use of locally grown grain (e.g., corn from Whiskey Sisters Supply) and the use of local casks (e.g., apple wine cask from Purgatory Wine Cellars) to create characterful and regional spirits.