American

Whiskey Review: Boulder Spirits Leave No Trace American Single Malt Whiskey

$75

OVERALL
RATING

6

Whiskey Review: Boulder Spirits Leave No Trace American Single Malt Whiskey

There’s a lot of promise here; with more time in the barrel, Boulder Spirits Leave No Trace could evolve into something even more complex and refined.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Boulder Spirits American Single Malt Whiskey’s motto is emblazoned on its label: Leave No Trace. This whiskey, however, has most definitely made its mark and will be leaving a trace. From its bold, handsome bottle design, to its strong offering, it’s not one to be overlooked.
Appearance:
Amber Beer
Nose:
Roasted chestnuts atop an open syrup barrel.
Palate:
Honey chased by black pepper first thing that hits you. Followed by grilled asparagus, green grass, raisins. Next a brief dive through a plum dessert before landing on a light oak pad. The oak presence is present, but interestingly without its darker notes.
Finish:
Strong astringency without a bourbon’s sweet corn cover.
Comments:
Boulder Spirits has produced a super clean-tasting whiskey using 10% local Colorado malt and aged in white oak barrels at a 3 char. There is no age statement, but the label does state it is at least 4 years old, I look forward to trying it again after it has been given more time to mature.

Who Will Enjoy Boulder Spirits Leave No Trace American Single Malt?

Leave No Trace by Boulder Spirits is perfect for whiskey fans who love exploring unique, earthy flavors and enjoy a bit of a twist on the usual single malt profile. If you’re someone who’s into whiskies that don’t stick to the rulebook, this bottle might hit the spot. It’s layered and intriguing, with a clean, fresh character that doesn’t lean on heavy oak or sweetness. Using local Colorado malt and aging at high altitude adds to its distinctiveness, giving it a real sense of place. This whiskey is for the curious drinker who enjoys the bold and unexpected, yet appreciates a well-crafted balance.

There’s a lot of promise here; with more time in the barrel, it could evolve into something even more complex and refined.

Will The American Single Malt Category Be Standardized?

The American single malt category is still evolving, and efforts toward standardization are underway. While scotch single malts have long adhered to specific legal definitions, American single malts remain somewhat unregulated. However, the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission has advocated for a set of standards to be laid out by the TTB.

If these guidelines are adopted, it would solidify the category and provide more consistency for consumers, without sacrificing the regional variations that make American single malts so intriguing.

Whiskeys Similar To Boulder Spirits Leave No Trace American Single Malt

For those who enjoy the flavors in Leave No Trace, there are a few other whiskies worth checking out with similar vibes in the American single malt category. Westward American Single Malt from Oregon is one to try—it’s also all about the barley and regional character, with rich, malty flavors and a hint of spice. Another good comparison is Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, which shares Boulder Spirits’ bold, high-altitude aging process, bringing out unique flavor layers.

If you’re a fan of scotch, particularly Speyside malts like Aberlour or Glenfarclas with their caramel and malt-forward notes, you might find Leave No Trace appealing too. While these whiskies come from different places, they all bring bold flavors, complexity, and quality, making them great picks for adventurous drinkers exploring the American single malt world.

Tzvi (Todd) Wiesel

Tzvi (Todd) Wiesel is the Co-Founder and CEO of BAXUS, an on-chain whisky marketplace. With years of experience in the industry, Todd is passionate about whisky investmemt and trading, as well as trying new whiskies wherever possible. Todd is the head of our US reviews team and is based in New York.

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