Bourbon and Whiskey from Breckenridge Distillery: A Gift for Every Occasion this Season
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to shop local for the friends and family on your list. To make an impression this season, give the experience of enjoying award-winning spirits from the “World’s Highest Distillery” in Breckenridge.
The Basics: What to Look for When You Buy
If you’re new to whiskey and bourbon, you might need help knowing what you’re looking for when picking a gift for friends and family. You’ll want to consider the type of grain used, the distillation process, and the aging process. Generally, the more corn in the whiskey, the sweeter it will be. The longer the whiskey is aged, the darker and more complex the flavor. Bourbon aged in casks from other spirits will take on some of those flavors. As you explore local options for your friends, keep these facts in mind.
For the Whiskey Aficionado
If your friend’s love language is whiskey, then the Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey is the way to their heart. Their Bourbon Whiskey is a Scotch-lovers bourbon with its high-rye mash bill. It is also one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the U.S, beating Pappy Vanwinkle’s 23-year-old bourbon in the Ultimate Spirits Competition in 2012.
By BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY Pair with
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey tastes delicious alongside a smoky barbecue meal. The high-rye spice pairs well with the slightly sweet and tangy nature of most barbecue dishes. A crispy pork belly, prepared on
the grill or slow-roasted, will bring the salt and fat that this whiskey needs while also matching its complex flavor profile.
For the Friend Who Loves Anything “Holiday”
The Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey is ideal for that friend who might enjoy the complexity of whiskey but wants a little more sweetness. This variety is made
from a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices and aged in oak barrels for two years. With notes of brown sugar and spice, this whiskey is sure to be a hit, especially during the holiday season.
Pair with
This whiskey goes well with a decadent holiday meal. The spice and sweetness will complement a rich and salty main course well, while root vegetables give a well-rounded finish. This pomegranate and honey glazed duck recipe balances rich protein and citrus notes that will pair perfectly with this spiced whiskey.
For the Group that Loves to Experiment
Whiskey tastings are an excellent group activity, and gifting the Breckenridge Rum Cask Finish is the perfect way to encourage your friends to host a tasting themselves. This award-winning spirit has notes of candied apple, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and cacao for a gratifying taste that will leave you wanting more.
Pair with
This whiskey is just the thing for a night of heavy appetizers and snacks. Since this spirit has a complex flavor profile, the particular snacks will depend on the group’s taste. Sweeter nuts like pecans, cashews, and pistachios are perfect for balancing the strong notes, while desserts like fudge and cookies can complement the dark chocolate and cinnamon flavors. Stay away from anything too spicy, so you don’t dull your taste buds with too much heat. Try a chunky bleu cheese dip and bacon-wrapped stuffed figs for centerpiece appetizers.
For the “Not a Whiskey Drinker” Friend
If you’re buying for someone who usually opts out of whiskey, then the Breckenridge Whiskey Port Cask Finish is the way to go for both easy sipping neat pours and cocktail-mixing whiskeys. Breckenridge Bourbon is finished in Tawny Port casks, soaking up sweeter notes of sultana raisin and maple syrup to help tame the spiciness of other whiskey varieties. It just might turn them into a whiskey fan for life.
Pair with
Something light and slightly salty should accompany this whiskey. A sweeter whiskey will go well with food that doesn’t overpower its flavors; you can choose proteins like chicken or salmon. Something with a slight hint of sweetness is the perfect pairing, but avoid desserts so you don’t repeat a single sweet note all night. Try a salmon quiche or delicious lemon pasta paired with a Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
Photo: Breckenridge Distillery
Remember that a whiskey’s flavor is highly subjective. Everyone has different tastes, so try
different varieties and find the one that best suits your preference! For a world-class tasting experience, enter the Breckenridge Distillery holiday sweepstakes for a chance to work with their distillers and experience the magic of rocky mountain whiskey for yourself.
Must be of legal age to purchase or participate.