The most famous location in the metro area of Centennial, CO is Dove Valley, headquarters of the Denver Broncos. Today, the Broncos are getting ready for their first playoff game, but not too far away, hidden in a nondescript industrial park, some mighty fine hooch is being made. Welcome to Downslope Distilling.

Downslope began when two brewers, Mitch Abate and Andy Causey, decided to try their hand at whiskey — after all, the process starts out just like beer, minus the hops. After some experimentation with a specially designed Abate created, Downslope was born. The name and logo are a play on the double diamond shape of the still, which echos the icon for the double diamond slopes of Colorado ski resorts — the slopes you must descend to enjoy the liquor.

High quality ingredients are the key to Downslope’s craft spirits, which currently include rum, vodka, whiskey and gin. Unprocessed Maui cane sugar, malted barley from Colorado, vanilla beans from Tahiti and Madagascar and New Mexico chilies are some of the precursors to the final tasty products. For Downslope’s whiskey and aged rums, Abate reuses old wine barrels from Napa Valley, France and Hungary that once held merlots and cabernets. The barrels give these spirits a unique yet familiar flavor that is extremely enjoyable.

The distillery’s best-selling bottle is pepper vodka, which makes a killer Bloody Mary. Another popular spirit is Ould Tom gin, also aged in wine barrels. The gin is made from sugar cane, instead of grain, and with only half as much juniper as English-style gin, leading to a flavorful gin without the dryness (try it with grapefruit juice). Mix Downslope’s spiced rum with ginger beer for the ultimate Dark and Stormy.

While Downslope liquors can be found all over the state, a trip to the source is worthwhile. The  staff will suggest cocktail recipes and other ways to best enjoy each spirit, and certainly trying a few samples to find out what best fits your palate is never a bad idea. Tasting room and tours are conducted by appointment 5–7 PM, Monday–Thursday and noon–9 PM, Friday–Sunday. To reserve your spot, email mitch@downslopedistillery.com or send a text to 303-478-0228. Put DS Tour in the heading and be sure to include date, time and number of people.