Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
Breckenridge Distillery is located in Breckenridge, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the high altitude and cold temperatures create one set of ideal conditions for whiskey production and aging. The town of Breckenridge is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities, and the distillery has become a popular attraction for visitors to the area.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
In addition to their distillery operations, Breckenridge Distillery also operates a restaurant and tasting room where visitors can sample their spirits and learn more about their production processes.
Interestingly enough, there is also a Breckenridge Brewery – another craft operation like Breckenridge Distillery, and they are known for producing a wide range of beers, including traditional styles like IPAs and stouts, as well as experimental and seasonal offerings.
And they are often confused with each other! So they decided – why not collaborate? What a great idea. Sexy Motor Oil’s journey started as Breckenridge Brewery’s Imperial Oatmeal Stout. According to the Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt of Breckenridge Distillery, “They get our barrels for their Sexy and we get their barrels back for our Sexy.”
So how about that name? Unusual isn’t it? Not often you name a drink as motor oil, but here is the story behind it: Breckenridge Brewery Brewers Stone Fisher and Suzanne Nance were doing some market research and sipping on some Goose Island’s famous Bourbon County beer – and anybody who tried it knows that it is an intense, boozy, and deep flavored beer. According to the distillery’s website: ‘Anthony was taking sips of beer with them and out of his mouth came…”Yummmm, this is like sexy motor oil!” Jimmy and Suzanne’s ears perked up, they looked at each other with a mutual smirk of brewer’s insider knowledge and Jimmy stated: “we’re creating a beer for that name.” ‘
So the brewery gets the barrels from the distillery to make their Sexy Motor Oil beer (which is a barrel aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout), and then the distillery gets the barrels back for a full loop to make their Sexy Motor Oil finished bourbon, to be sold exclusively at their distillery.
This is the third edition of their particular collaboration. The whiskey is aged 10-13 months in the once bourbon now beer barrels, which is a pretty long time for finishing a bourbon.
Tasting Notes: Breckenridge Sexy Motor Oil Whiskey
Vital Stats: 109.5 proof; mash bill undisclosed; non-age statement; $200; sold exclusively at the distillery
Appearance: Dark amber
Nose: Tropical, hints of banana and chocolate notes. Ripe apple. The distillery notes are on the money.
Palate: Intense, in a very good way. A little upfront burn goes away fades but stays, very pleasant. Let’s you know it is there, but not overbearing. Vivid bitterness and dryness of dark chocolate – again, very enjoyable. Finish is not super long, but that slight banana stays longer than other notes.