Where I Hunt Bourbon in Colorado

Hello!

Thanks for checking out the first-ever issue of Whiskey, According to Dara. I’m genuinely so excited you’re here.

I had so much fun writing this, so I hope you’ll read the whole thing. But if you’re just here for the list, I get it. Keep scrolling.

Whether you are brand new to bourbon or you have spent years chasing single barrels and hard-to-find releases, I want these newsletters to be useful without making whiskey feel overly complicated.

Lately, it feels like Colorado has seen a huge influx of previously hard-to-find bourbon, especially from Buffalo Trace. I’ve heard all kinds of theories about why, but at the end of the day, it simply means more bourbon for Colorado after what felt like a very long drought.

Are some stores still leaning into secondary-market pricing? Yes.

Do some have point systems, lotteries, bundles, and loyalty programs? Also yes.

But Bill and I were running errands recently and decided to stop at a few liquor stores because we hadn’t really hunted in a while. You know, because life.

We were shocked by how many previously hard-to-find bottles were sitting openly on shelves at prices we were actually willing to pay. There were bottles we hadn’t seen readily available in years. And the amount of Weller out there right now? Honestly astounding.

It is really cool to see bottles on shelves again.

That said, allocated bourbon is far from the only whiskey worth hunting. There are so many incredible barrel picks, store picks, and craft brands making amazing whiskey right now.

A familiar label might get you through the door, but an unexpected single barrel or bottle from a smaller producer may end up being the best thing you bring home.

I know some bourbon hunters are protective of their honey holes after spending years building relationships, supporting certain stores, and spending a truly unreasonable amount of money there. I respect that.

But people ask me all the time where I found a bottle, where they should hunt while visiting Colorado, and which stores are worth stopping at. I wanted to finally put my personal list in one place.

This is not a ranking, a guarantee, or a definitive list of every great liquor store in Colorado. Some of these are well-known stores, and others are smaller stops where I have simply had good luck.

This is not a list of secret hookups. It is a list of places I would personally tell a friend to check.

Prices, selection, store policies, and availability can change completely from one day to the next. Your favorite store might not be listed, and your secret spot can stay secret. Both are completely fine.

Alright, let’s go hunting.

Argonaut Wine & Liquor

Bear Valley Wine & Spirits (more like South Denver)

DIA Liquor Warehouse Technically in Denver, near DIA, but on the east side of town

Vineland Liquors Westminster

Total Beverage Westminster

Hazel’s Beverage World Boulder

Red Barn Liquor Johnstown

9th Avenue Liquor Warehouse Longmont

Wyatt’s Wet Goods Longmont

PJ’s Wine & Spirits Longmont

Coral Bay Wine & Spirits Johnstown

Wilbur’s Total Beverage Fort Collins

Supermarket Liquors Fort Collins

Davidson’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Highlands Ranch, Centennial

Highlands WineSeller Highlands Ranch

Bubbles Liquor World Castle Rock

Dodds Wine Vault Castle Pines

Luxe Liquor Castle Rock

Cheers Liquor Mart Colorado Springs

Bevy’s Liquor World Littleton and Parker

Chambers Wine & Liquor Aurora

Applejack Wine & Spirits Wheat Ridge, second location is in Thornton, which is north of Denver, third location is in Colorado Springs, which is south of Denver

Mile High Wine & Spirits Lakewood

Warrior Liquor Arvada

Philnor Liquor Lakewood

Dillon Ridge Liquors Dillon

Basecamp Wine & Spirits Frisco

Fisher’s Liquor Barn Grand Junction

Spirit Wine Provisions Arvada

What is the craziest bottle find or price you’ve seen lately, for better or worse?

Reply to this email or leave a comment on the web post. I want to hear about the unbelievable retail finds and the prices that made you slowly put the bottle back on the shelf.

A new issue of Whiskey, According to Dara will land in your inbox every Thursday morning. When I get a new bottle, I may also send an extra review after I’ve had time to properly taste it.

Whether I bought the bottle myself, received a sample, or was sent one to review, I will always be transparent about how it came to me. My opinion will always be honest.

If you know someone who would find this guide useful, please forward it or share the web post with them. It is one of the best ways you can help Whiskey, According to Dara grow.

Thanks again for being here for the very first issue.

Happy hunting!

Dara
The Average Drinker

P.S. Bill says hi.