The day of this post is September 11, 2024. For Americans it is a day of reflection and appreciation. It is a fitting time to not just pay our respects to loved ones we have lost on this historic day, but for us to also reflect on the people we have lost along the way, whether they were a first responder, service member, or civilian. Today is Patriots Day.
We "Celebrate the 'American Spirit' of our military (and first responders) and their loved ones, one drink at a time."
Last week we had a group of off-duty firefighters join us at 1350 Distilling to help us bottle our Second Annual Memorial Bourbon Limited Release Whiskey (101 Proof / 50.5% ABV). 13.50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Springs Firefighter Association as a part of 1350 Distilling's Angel Battalion.
This collaboration with local firefighters began just last year, but our owners have been supporters of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial since before we were established. Our Five Alarm Cinnamon Fire Bourbon (80 Proof / 40% ABV) was released during the memorial weekend back in 2020, and we have a treasure trove of friendships across America who thankfully choose to visit us each year.
Our long-time friends with the Tuscon Fire Pipes and Drums has been a yearly reunion we cherish. They have played at 1350 Distilling multiple times. Even our corn hole boards were made by retired TFD fireman, Jim Napier.
This year Tucson Fire is adding one of their heroes to the wall, Captain Tom McNamara.
"He (Captain Tom McNamara) was the classic model of a man in the fire service. Widely regarded as one of the best to ever be on the department and more importantly, an amazing human being."
The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is an annual event that honors the memory of American and Canadian firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The Memorial is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado at Memorial Park on the corner of E. Pikes Peak Ave. and S. Hancock Ave. Surviving family and loved ones will be visiting our city the week of the memorial to pay their respects and participate in the ceremony. This is a powerful ceremony which has enriched our appreciation for the sacrifices these brave men and women have given for the bettering of our communities. The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is made possible by the IAFF Foundation. Learn more about the IAFF Foundation and how you can get involved: iafffoundation.org.
The Local 5 Chapter of the IAFF, here in Colorado Springs is privileged to stand watch over the names of the fallen daily and to host the annual memorial.
This year Colorado Springs will place one of their own on the memorial wall too, Robert "Bobby" Keese, for whom this year's Memorial Bourbon is dedicated. All of the volunteer firefighters who assisted with this year's Memorial Bourbon were friends and respected co-workers to Mr. Keese. To them, this was more than a fun time filling bottles with bourbon.
The Memorial Bourbon
This limited release bourbon is unique and different from last year's Memorial Bourbon, not just on the inside, but on the outside of the bottle as well. We feel the Memorial Bourbons have been our best spirits made to date, and that is saying a lot since we have been awarded Gold and Double Gold Medals for our Guardian and Code Four Bourbons. This year's Memorial Bourbon is one proof point higher than last year at 101 Proof / 50.5% ABV.
(We plan on increasing the proof by one point each year.)
The Memorial Bourbon will be officially released on Wednesday 18 September at 4pm only at 1350 Distilling. There are 250 bottles available for sale at $80 per bottle. 13.50% of each purchase will be donated to the Colorado Springs Firefighter Association. Limit of two bottles per person will be sold throughout the weekend or until we are out. We sold out last year, so make sure to come earlier in the week to make sure you get yours.
1350 SPIRIT SCHEDULE
As families settle into their new autumn schedules filled with school and sports activities, September events at 1350 Distilling are bustling, and we want to ensure you don't miss out.
Our Bullet Point List of September fun inside and out "in the wild":
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Welcome Firefighters Wed 18 - Sun 22 Sept
Wed 18 Sept, 4pm - Southern Pride Asian Fusion food truck 4-9pm
Brace yourselves for a remarkable evening as we unveil the highly anticipated Second Annual Memorial Bourbon Limited Release Whiskey (101 Proof / 50.5% ABV). We have just 250 bottles of this special bourbon blend and it goes on sale starting this evening until they are all gone! $80 a bottle plus tax and 13.50% of each bottle will be donated to Colorado Springs Firefighter Association.
Fri 20 Sept, 4-8pm - Big D's Whaling City food truck
Sat 21 Sept, 1-5pm - Bines & Brews Beer Fest
Wed 25 Sept, 4-8pm - Cigar & Whiskey Night
Thur 26 Sept, 5:30-7:30pm - Colorado Elite Networking Team (CENT) Open House with Chef Bob's Lobster Trap food truck
Sat 28 Sept, 2:30pm and 5pm - TASTE AND TOURS are back!
Sat 28 Sept, 11am-6:30pm - Blues on the Mesa Concert
Sat 28 Sept, Noon-5pm - Peaks & Pours Whiskey Fest
OCTOBER EVENTS
Sat 5 Oct, 7:30pm - Comedy Night at 1350 Distilling
Sun 6 Oct, 10am - Mahjong Tournament
Thurs 10 Oct, 6:30pm - Coed Bunco Night
Thurs 24 Oct, 7-9pm - Tarot Tiny Terrarium
Sat 26 Oct, Emma Crawford Coffin Races After Party, Manitou Springs