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. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The founders of Denver-based Mile High Spirits had a vision of creating high quality liquor made with local ingredients at an affordable price. The majority of their spirits and bottled cocktails sit around $30, with single barrel releases being the exception at around $60. However, even at the higher single barrel price point, Mile High Spirits has made it far more financially accessible than many local craft spirits.
The distillery clearly wants to make themselves accessible to the casual drinker through their branding in addition to their pricing. The marketing script on the backs of bottles and their website is very conversational without jargon that might alienate someone unfamiliar with whiskey. Sometimes “relatable” copy like this can come across as over the top and fake, but it actually made me chuckle a few times, which surprised me.
I love the bottle art. The bottles of all their spirits and cocktails have paintings on them, all done in a cohesive style. I’m more used to seeing this type of art on wine bottles, but I think it really works here. These bottles would pop out at me at liquor stores and are adding flare to my liquor cabinet.
Mile High Spirits covers several experiences for those in the Denver area to experience their products. Their “barrel room” is a private event space surrounded by barrels of aging whiskey. Their “tasting room” is a bigger space with live music Thursdays through Sundays and a large dance floor.
Tasting Notes: Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon
Vital Stats: 40% ABV. $30. Distilled from Colorado corn, barley, and rye and cut with Rocky Mountain water. Aged a minimum of 2 year.
Appearance: The liquid is a clear, reddish brown.
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Nose: The nose carries some classic bourbon notes of vanilla, cherry, and orange. I was intrigued to also get notes of pine, which I think is appropriate given a name like “Fireside.”
Palate: Vanilla and orange is present on the palate too, which is joined by baking spices, brown sugar, and coffee. The initial sip seemed a bit watery but then exploded with flavor and a strong alcohol punch. I get some light smokiness, but not as much as I was anticipating from what I read. But that could be because I’m comparing “smokiness” against Islay scotch. The finish is warm and smooth.
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