A. D. Laws

Quality over quantity. Whiskey above all.” Amidst a burgeoning craft spirits scene in Colorado, founder Al Laws knows that whiskey done right takes time, creativity, and dedication. What makes Laws unique is his reinventing of whiskey tradition in order to create the best possible product, from his custom-made Vendome still to the difficult and painstaking production of four-grain whiskey as a flagship product. Laws’ website proudly lists his suppliers, like Briess Malting, Colorado Malting Company, and the Independent Stave Company, showcasing the best-of-the-best ingredients which surround this brand with an air of commitment to excellence.

In addition to relying on craftsmanship to make this whiskey great, there’s also the Colorado climate. The constantly changing pressure and temperature allow the oak barrels used for aging to continue infusing the liquid with char and oak notes year-round; a stark contrast to Kentucky’s sleepy winters in which barrels have little opportunity to move the liquid in and out of the oak. A minimum of three years aging for this product could easily seem like five or six in such an environment.

The perseverance and pervasive attitude at Laws also attracted one of Colorado distilling’s superstars, Jake Norris, who co-founded Stranahan’s back in 2004. With all the pieces in place, from high-end ingredients to custom equipment and true creative talent, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the spirit in this beautiful decanter bottle is award-worthy.