Located in Boulder, Colorado Vapor Distillery is a small batch producer of gin, vodka, and a few other unique spirits. The owner started off using a small pot, graduated to a 600 bottle pot, and finally obtained a pot large enough to produce 6,000 bottles at a time. The pot is originally a Chinese method, whereas the column is an English method. Using a column will often create a higher alcohol proof than a pot.
The ‘head’ of the spirit consists of acetone and other poisons. It is removed and used as flex fuel in the owner’s truck. The ‘body’ is 65% ethanol and will be transferred out. Finally, the ‘tail’ is anything above the boiling temperature of ethanol; all of this will be saved and reused in the next batch.
Originally, gin was first produced by the Dutch and it was cheap and of poor quality. Then it was produced by the French and was very floral. The English made it strong and then there was American gin. Vapor Distillery is classified under a new category known as ‘New Western’.
Only the minimum amount of juniper required by law is used to produce their gin, so the other flavors and ingredients have a chance to shine through. (Examples: coriander, anise, orange zest, lemon zest, green tea from japan, hibiscus, etc.) The Rhok Gin aroma and flavor was very botanical and there was minimal burning as it slid down my throat. The Rhok 114 Gin was made exactly the same, but was just a higher proof. It qualifies as ‘navy proof’ meaning if it spills the gun powder would not be affected. Ginsky is a trademarked gin that is barrel aged for two years in English oak barrels; although it now says barrel rested on the label due to a dispute with the government.
The Arrosta Coffee Liquor is produced using coffee from Unseen Bean (Boulder, CO). It was a delight to the tongue and tasted like coffee with no residual syrup texture on the tongue. Finally, my favorite was the Pumpkin King. This Fall flavored delight contained 2lb of local baby pumpkins in each bottle, processed in a community kitchen that provides job training to the houseless/recovering addicts/jobless people in the area. Usually I’m not into pumpkin flavored foods and beverages, but I had found my exception; this was unique and so delicious. Suggested pairings include mixing it with hot apple cider or creating a layered shot for Christmas that contains eggnog. (YUM)
As our tour came to an end, we found ourselves meandering towards the bar in search of a cocktail and pretzels (not my first choice, but I was starving). My partner ordered the ‘Cowboy Coffee’ which was a mix of Arrosta and Ginsky.
I ordered the ‘Elder Moon’ which contained Gin, Elderflower syrup, and watermelon juice…perhaps a bit too strong for my taste.
