History

Ironton Distillery is located in Colorado and distills around the region with the motto Distilling The Spirit of Colorado. Since 2018 the company has craft-produced spirits with a focus on small batches, filtered water from its own sources, and local ingredients when possible. Their philosophy is farm-to-flask, and the products are made on-site without mass production or blending. Named as a nod to the historic Ironton (an abandoned mining town in southern Colorado) and Denver's RiNO Arts District's 1800s-era 'Ironton Addition,' the name signals a connection to Colorado’s industrial and creative heritage.

Production and Manufacturing

Farm to Flask and Local Ingredients

The company emphasizes small batches and the use of filtered water as well as local ingredients where possible. The products are produced on-site and not mass-produced; the use of locally sourced ingredients and garden-grown herbs/botanicals is highlighted as part of their approach.

Stills and Equipment

Ironton uses three custom-built copper stills: Big Karl (300-gallon stripping still), Margot (spirit still) and Tamila (botanical still for gins, Aquavit and Alpine Absinthe). Tamila has a basket for botanicals that can be macerated or placed into vapor infusion to extract oils from plants and spices.

Wood Aging and Reuse

Whiskies are aged in 53-gallon new American oak barrels with Char #2 for at least 2 years. When aging is complete, the barrels are used to age/finish other spirits such as Genievre Gin, Aquavit and Platinum Rum. The remaining barrels are often repurposed by local breweries and producers for collaborative projects.

Waste and Recycling

The use of spent grain (the grain leftovers from mashing) is part of their circular approach: some is used for building and food projects (e.g., pizza and dog treats), while any surplus is not wasted and is instead repurposed locally.

Process and Suppliers

Their processes are supported by using locally grown ingredients (heirloom blue corn for Bourbon), garden and botanicals grown in the distillery's gardens, and an approach to minimize environmental impact by using local suppliers whenever possible.

Products and the Whisky Series

• CAM’s 1870 Single Malt Whiskey – 87 proof (43.5% ABV), 750 ml. Price around $50. Age statement: at least 2 years in Char #2 new American oak barrels. The ingredients are listed as 100% malted barley.
• American Straight Malt Whiskey – 43% ABV (86 proof), 750 ml. Price around $55. Ingredients listed as 100% malted barley.
• Colorado Straight Rye Malt Whiskey – 43% ABV (86 proof), 750 ml. Price not listed here. Described as a 'Straight Rye Malt Whiskey.'
• Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 43% ABV (86 proof), 750 ml. Price around $65. Aged at least 2 years in 53-gallon new American oak barrels and finished to present a four-grain bourbon with blue corn as part of the grain bill.

These products highlight Ironton’s focus on regional ingredients and cool, craft-oriented methods, including unique grain varieties and distinctive mashes. In addition to the whiskies, they also produce Ponderosa Gin, Coffee Liqueur, and Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, as well as other spirits such as Aquavit, Absinthe and Barrel-Aged Rum, but this section focuses on the whiskey products and their characteristics.

Visits and Experiences

The Denver tasting room used to be open, but as of December 2024 it is closed while Ironton relocates to a new location in Louisville, CO; they continue to sell spirits through retailers and online. Their site features a large outdoor (10,000 square feet) dog-friendly oasis with opportunities for cocktails, food and drinks in an inspiring environment. Prices and offerings include flights and various cocktails based on their award-winning spirits.

The tasting room and event-related options (Private Events) are part of their offerings, and they have received recognitions for their outdoor patio, cocktails and overall experience (Westword Editor’s Choice: Best Distillery Taproom; 5280 and Colorado Manufacturing Awards noted in aggregate evaluations).

Philosophy

Ironton describes itself as dedicated to Colorado adventure and an approach to crafting spirits that reflect pride in local craftsmanship and natural ingredients. They emphasize farm-to-flask and the use of craft traditions without mass production, while also seeking to involve the local environment and community through partnerships with CSU (CAM’s 1870 collaboration), humane ways to use by-products and support for the local community.

Status and Availability Notes

• As of December 2024 the Denver tasting room is temporarily closed due to relocation; spirits are purchased through retailers across the state and online in selected states.
• The company promotes shipping of spirits across the United States (except for certain states).
• Ironton has received several awards and recognitions for their spirits and pub area, including blue and gold in various competitions.