There is such an easy camaraderie between the owners and Rob, it’s clear that they enjoy working this operation together. Hey boss…this is a tough job but someone’s gotta do it! I chose the safe direction of medium and it was perfect for me. This was the perfect morning cocktail offered by the owner Steve…really it would have been impolite to refuse, right? There is such care taken with every step of this libation, including securing their water for distilling from Indian Peaks in Ward, CO down to offering imbibers their choice of heat level in the finished cocktail. I settled in with a glass of water but within a few minutes the combined tease of seeing others with what looked liked a terrific Bloody Mary and the aroma of the assorted garnishes being dispensed right in front of me made me soon waver. We started the day at 10:30am so I politely declined a cocktail upon arriving. Rob had worked previously for a different distiller he shared with me that this wasn’t just another job it really was like being part of the family. It’s still a family affair, even if some of the employees are not blood relatives. This steamer trunk traveled from Poland with Steve’s Grandfather and it contained the vodka recipe in Polish that they continue to use in their distilling today. The owners of the 303 brand, which includes both vodka and whiskey are Steve and Terri Viezbicke. Without a doubt there is a very rustic ambiance warm woods, assorted bar stools, large apothecary jars of infused vodkas and gin (yes, we sampled some of those) and an assortment of model airplanes, sparking white lights and rustic wooden doors that all complement the casual setting. While the guts of the operation are obvious on the right as you are entering the front doors, the first impression is of the large wood bar where Rob is prepping for the anticipated crowd. The lack of pretense in their facility is more than just skin deep. I was immediately struck by how warm and inviting this distillery is. Upon arriving at what I thought was the correct address I spied a green industrial building and wondered where I had gone awry but alas…it was the right time and I was at the right place! Tucked around the back of the building in a busy complex, I was greeted by a swarm of people prepping the place for their guests. Their facility could not be less pretentious. Rob is also President of the Colorado Distiller’s Guild and a great resource for someone like myself who has become more and more aware of the growth of both distilled spirits and wines in our state and loves exploring the diversity we offer. They take this unique step to introduce people to their small and thriving company that operates alongside a frontage road in Boulder, Colorado. It’s a very relaxed time to learn more about Boulder Distillery try some of their products and get a close look at their operation. I had a great time discovering while visiting and left with a fun recipe too! Of lasting significance was this Vootbeer – Vodka, Root Beer and Whipping Cream. I was recently invited by Rob Masters, Distiller at Boulder Distillery and owner of Rob’s Mountain Gin to attend a monthly event that is held for folks in the hospitality and liquor industry in the Denver to Boulder corridor.
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