Artisanal alcohols are as popular as they have ever been. Whether it’s craft beers or mixed drinks featuring the latest tricks of molecular gastronomy, folks are looking for a break from the big-name drinks found in every mega-mart and liquor store. People want to drink the work of artists at the top of their brewing and distilling game. When you’re looking for something a little different and a lot special, be sure to add the products from Mile High Spirits to the top of your list.
Mile High Spirits are “the OGs of urban distilling in the Mile High City.” Mile High Spirits first opened in 2011 in the heart of Denver’s River North (RiNo) arts district. Three years later, they moved to Denver’s downtown Ballpark neighborhood, where they opened a Tasting Rom and bar. Mile High Spirits products are available in 16 states in the U.S., or via purchase through their website and through Drizly.
We were sent two bottles of alcohol to sample on the Pop Goes the Culture podcast. First, the Fireside Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Our time tested Fireside Straight Bourbon Whiskey is proudly made from scratch by our talented distilling team in the heart of downtown Denver. Distilled from Colorado corn, barley, and rye and cut to perfection with crisp Rocky Mountain water, Fireside boasts notes of dark caramel, roasted coffee and smokey brown sugar. Whether you’re making Old Fashioneds for tonight’s party or attempting to dull the pain of dinner with the in-laws, Fireside Straight Bourbon Whiskey will satisfy even the most curly mustachioed connoisseur.
We sampled Fireside neat. Our tasters got that whiskey burn right off the bat, but were intrigued by the subtle sweetness that lingered on the tongue after. None of our tasters are big bourbon drinkers, but all began thinking of ways they would use Fireside, from whiskey sours to nothing more than a splash of water.
Next up was the Elevate Vodka.
Despite the rumors, vodka isn’t actually only for Russian sympathizers. Elevate Vodka by Mile High Spirits is a stalwart classic for any liquor cabinet. This bold marriage of Colorado corn and Rocky Mountain water makes for a smooth and versatile spirit. Equally comfortable in a Bloody Mary over brunch or as a quick flask filler before church, you’ve got a friend in Elevate Vodka.
While none of us would identify ourselves as bourbon drinkers, we’ve all had our share of vodkas over the years, from top shelf to cheap rot-gut. To a person, each of us agreed that Elevate 6x Distilled Vodka is one of — if not the — smoothest vodkas we’ve ever tasted. At the time of this writing, a 750ml bottle of Elevate retails for $19.99 on Drizly, which is about 2/3 the cost per ml of comparably smooth vodkas, making Elevate a great deal and a great vodka.
Disclaimer: A bottle of Fireside Bourbon and Elevate Vodka were provided for review purposes. All opinions are our own.
