Recently, Alie and I were sitting around enjoying a bottle of Thunder Hoof we picked up from Mythology Distillery last fall. As we sipped it, we started reminiscing about our visit to the Mythology Distillery and our fun on our Steamboat Springs, Colorado trip. Our trip down memory lane inspired us to share some incredible distilleries we’ve had the opportunity to visit so you don’t miss out on these places.
My social media feed is filled with whiskey travelers. What is a whiskey traveler? They are the men and women who ask for recommendations about which liquor stores they should “raid” during their visit. Although I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble upon a few hard-to-acquire bottles, we generally frown on those who bourbon hunt. We think they are missing the experience of sharing and enjoying whiskey with others. I often offer recommendations to check out local distilleries I’ve had the fortune to try along my journey.
Who doesn’t want to share fun stories and learn about the place they are visiting by engaging with the locals who make each town and city in the United States unique? There is a lot more to life than simply acquiring objects. Rather than snagging a bottle to take a crotch shot in your car to share on social media, why not sit down and enjoy the journey? You might make some new friends in the process. These interactions are what memories are made of.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is one of our favorite places to visit in Colorado. Its location on the western slope of Colorado is a bit of a haul from Colorado Springs. Generally, it takes about 4.5 hours to travel there from home. Alie and I try to get there at least once per year to do some camping. Whether you want to hike, bike, fish, or raft, there is something for everyone. We recommend visiting town to check out Mythology Distillery after your outdoor adventure for libations to help you recover from your adventure.
Mythology Distillery
Mythology Distillery was initially founded in Denver, Colorado, in 2018. In 2023, we were excited to discover that Mythology relocated to Steamboat Springs, residing in a former brewery. This filled the void created when Steamboat Whiskey Company closed its operations in 2022.
The new Steamboat campus has something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a cocktail in the bar, sip whiskey by the firepit in the Whiskey Garden, or grab some post-skiing or biking apres, Mythology has got you covered. There is even a fun slide in the whiskey garden that gets you to the cocktail bar faster.
Mythology Experience
There is a lot to take in during your visit to Mythology. First, we recommend starting with a whiskey flight. This will give you a chance to try everything they offer. If there is something you really like, you will be able to grab a bottle before you leave. Our favorite spirits from our trip were the Hell Bear Cask Strength American Whiskey and the Thunder Hoof 10-year Rye Whiskey. With so many spirits to try, you will find a bottle you love.
Cocktails Anyone?
After trying some of their spirits, you’ll want to try something from their excellent cocktail menu. From the classics to seasonal favorites, you will find something to please your palate. There are several Old Fashioned options to choose from. My personal favorite was the Elk River.
The Elk River Old Fashioned was very unique. It is crafted using a pine tea simple syrup. Mythology provides the recipe for several of their best cocktails on their website. We recommend grabbing a bottle of your favorite whiskey and then experimenting with some of their cocktail recipes at home. You can find the recipe for the Elk River Old Fashioned here.
When we visited, we chose to sit at the bar to witness the cocktail mixing process and get a feel for the place. We enjoyed conversing with the bartenders while picking up some cocktail crafting tips. Although we love sitting at the bar, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. During the warm months, they open the garage doors, allowing visitors to enjoy the cool mountain air.
Tours and Classes
Mythology Distillery offers tours of its facility. The tours are offered Thursday through Sunday and cost $20 per person. Guests enjoy learning about distilling and seeing first-hand how Mythology creates its unique spirits. Visitors also peek at Mythology’s new rack house, where they age their whiskey spirits. The tours take about an hour, and samples of their spirits are included in the cost.
If cocktails are more your speed, Mythology offers cocktail crafting classes on Wednesdays and Sundays. Mixology with Mythology classes run $65 per person, which includes two cocktails, charcuterie, taxes, and gratuity. Guests will be guided through the cocktail-making process, which includes a smoked cocktail and another with egg whites. This is a great way to unwind after a fun day of riding the slopes. Plus, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your new cocktail crafting prowess. You can find more information about these experiences on Mythology’s website.
Closing Thoughts
When we visited Steamboat Springs in the fall, we were super excited to find Mythology. It was the perfect way to wind down a long weekend visit. One thing to remember is that Mythology is on mountain time, meaning life moves slower. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your visit.
If you find yourself in the beautiful mountains of Colorado near Steamboat Springs, maybe for the weekend or a longer vacation, be sure to check out Mythology Distillery. The whiskey is good, the people are friendly, and the cocktails are great. In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” You won’t want to miss Mythology Distillery.
Happy Exploring!
