Why does Colorado host some of the greatest beers and spirits in the world? The Rocky Mountain water, of course! That famous water is also what brings the flavors out of 1350 Distilling's Guardian Bourbon. That water is also why our Guardian Bourbon represents the United States Coast Guard.
The U.S. Coast Guard is our nation’s oldest continuous operating maritime service. Both a law enforcement agency and a military service, these “Guardians” support, protect, and defend our country’s coasts and waterways, and rescue those in need.
"The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew." - military.com
1350 Distilling’s Guardian Bourbon is the only spirit we do not produce. We purchase the three-year barrel-aged 99% corn bourbon from a distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and proof and finish it in our production facilities in Colorado Springs. We researched a lot of whiskey vendors and feel that our choice in "America's Spirit" will definitely ‘wet your whistle’ after a treacherous day in the office. Neat, over a rock, or with your favorite mixer, this bourbon, just like the Coastie’s motto, “Semper Paratus” is “Always Ready”.
Because of the predominant amount of corn in this mash bill, the Guardian Bourbon is lighter, sweeter, and more "approachable" than most bourbons. Many non-whiskey drinkers have admitted their appreciation of the Guardian's flavor.
Why is bourbon considered "America's Spirit"? In 1764, England enacted the Sugar Act that taxed molasses and infuriated the colonists. Instead of using Caribbean sugars, they began using something in more immediate abundance... corn! Hence, bourbon was born along with the flourishing country.
What is bourbon?
All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. For a whiskey to be considered bourbon, it first needs to be produced in the U.S. of A and the grain mash must be at least 51 percent corn. On top of that, by law the mixture must be stored in virgin (never used before) charred oak containers. The definition provided by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is:
"Whisky produced in the U.S. at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent corn and stored at not more than 62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers."
There is no requirement of age in order for a whiskey to be considered a bourbon, and despite what all the Tennesseans or Kentuckians say, it does not have to be distilled and aged in their states.
Why not make your own bourbon?
- Good question that we get often.
We will make our own whiskey, starting with the Leatherneck Whiskey in 2020. We want our whiskey to be a true Colorado product and have been researching where and what we will want to use. Because of the strict requirements to be considered a bourbon which we have explained, we would rather spend our time being a creative, small batch, hand-crafted distillery. We simply do not want to play by the bourbon rules. Other distilleries are making great bourbons very affordably. We are choosing our battles, and planning our attack.
Cocktails Served at Taste Room: Old Guard Fashioned, The Icebreaker, Sea Foam, Lucky 13, AWOL Martini, Cinnamon infused, Peach infused
