Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse
Overview of the Distillery
Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse is a Colorado distillery founded in 2018 that combines production with a vibrant taproom and outdoor spaces. The distillery emphasizes local ingredients, small barrels, and an artistic environment. With female leadership and a focus on quality, Ironton has led the way in a range of handcrafted spirits, including a Colorado Bourbon based on local Hopi Blue corn.
History
Ironton opened in 2018 with the aim of capturing and celebrating 'spirit of Colorado'. The name traces back to a historic mining town and the area's industrial roots. The founders' focus on craft and design is reflected in both the production facilities and the taproom experience. Head Distiller Laura Walters has a background in fermentation science and experience from wine and whiskey circles, and Co-founder Kallyn Romero is responsible for the creative and ambitious venue and guest experience concept. Ironton has also established local collaborations on raw materials, for example with Whiskey Sisters Supply for heirloom Hopi Blue corn, and in 2022 the distillery's Ponderosa Gin received awards at the American Distilling Institute.
Ingredients and Production
Ironton works with locally sourced grains, most notably Hopi Blue corn for their Colorado Bourbon, combined with malted barley, pale rye malt, and red wheat malt. For the bourbon example, the Hopi corn makes up 51% of the mash bill. The distillery extracts sugars via a lauter process, which means the wash ferments off-grain, and uses closed fermentation tanks for better control and consistency. The spirits are distilled for purity, in the bourbon case via two passes through the still. For gin, a neutral grain distillate is produced, which is brought up to 120 proof before the botanicals; maceration (about 3 days) and vapor infusion in a botanical still (Tamilla) are combined, and the distillate is blended by the distiller's choice of cuts. Rocky Mountain water is used to dilute products for bottling.
Maturation and Barrel Types
The aging strategy includes new American white oak barrels (char 2). Ironton uses both small 15-gallon barrels for shorter maturation (10–12 months) and traditional 53-gallon barrels for longer aging (minimum 2 years). The combination of small and larger barrels allows control of wood influence and accelerates interaction with the wood in some expressions, while others mature longer in larger barrels.
Whiskies
The lineup ranges from their Colorado Bourbon to rye releases, complemented by other craft spirits such as gin and rum. The bourbon project highlights the use of local heirloom grains and small-barrel aging in new char American White Oak, while the gin production showcases the distillery's botanical experiments. The products are presented through the taproom and special launches, focusing on approachable, handmade spirits with local character.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Alcohol | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ironton Colorado Bourbon | Bourbon | 43% | New American White Oak barrel (char 2) - 15 gallon and New American White Oak barrel (char 2) - 53 gallon | The bourbon is made from local Hopi Blue corn (heirloom) blended with malted grains (malted barley, pale rye malt and red wheat malt). The wash is fermented off-grain via lauter process, fermented in closed tanks and distilled twice. Aging occurs in char 2 new American White Oak; the whiskey is diluted to 86 proof (43% ABV) with Rocky Mountain water. |
| Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey | Rye |
General Flavor Profile
The bourbon presents as sweet and creamy with a spicy bite and a clear influence from the new American White Oak (char 2).
Malts/sweetness described as Sweet and creamy. Spices described as a spicy bite. Oak described as Clear influence from the new char American White Oak (char 2).
Visiting the Distillery
Ironton operates a pop-up tasting room at 1303 Empire Road in Louisville, CO (80027). Reservations are not required; general inquiries and requests for private events are handled via the provided email addresses. The taproom experience includes both indoor and outdoor areas, and dogs are welcome on the patio, where homemade spent-grain treats for pets are also offered. For press, marketing, and wholesale inquiries there are separate contact addresses.
Philosophy and Craft
Ironton’s values center on craftsmanship, local roots, and artistic consideration. The distillery works with local ingredients, prioritizes quality in processes such as lauter fermentation and double distillation, and highlights female leadership as part of the company’s identity. At the same time, Ironton aims to combine production with a social space in the form of a taproom, outdoor experiences, and events.
Awards and Recognitions
- Double Gold; Best of Class; Best of Gin (2022, Double Gold; Best of Class; Best of Gin)
Latest News
Introducing: Ironton Ponderosa Gin – 2023-02-27
Presentation of Ponderosa Gin, which uses a blend of classic and local botanicals, including ponderosa pine needles from their own garden. Describes maceration, vapor infusion, use of a botanical still (Tamilla) and final dilution to 86 proof. The article also notes the gin's success in competitions.
Introducing: Ironton Colorado Bourbon – 2023-02-20
Presentation of Ironton Colorado Bourbon: a mashbill based on local Hopi Blue corn with malted barley, rye malt, and wheat malt; fermented off-grain via lauter process, closed fermentation and double distillation. Explains the use of 15- and 53-gallon new American White Oak (char 2) and dilution to 86 proof with Rocky Mountain water.