More than just a distillery, 1350 Distilling is a tribute to the men and women who serve our country. Founded by veterans, this Colorado Springs-based establishment makes spirits of a number of varieties, each infused with their own character.
A portion of its proceeds is also dedicated to supporting military, veteran, and children's charities, like Honor Flight and Mt. Carmel Veterans Services.
From the boldest to the smoothest, 1350 Distilling has something for every palate. In this article, we’ll walk you through all of its products, its rich history, the range of alcohol content in its spirits, and how much you can expect to pay for a bottle.
We'll also help you pick out the perfect 1350 liquor for you, how you can enjoy it to the fullest, and lots more. If you’ve just stumbled upon this distillery and its products, you’re in for the ride of a lifetime.
1350 Distilling: An Introduction
1350 Distilling is a Colorado Springs-based craft distillery, but it’s not like most other distilleries out there. Named in honor of the 13 stripes and 50 stars of the American flag, this veteran-owned business makes its spirits as a tribute to those who serve. Each bottle sold helps support military, veteran, and children's charities.
The distillery has a wide range of spirits on offer too, including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. Distilleries making lots of spirits isn’t new though; what differentiates 1350 Distilling is their quality and craftsmanship of each product.
Their spirits are produced with the best of the best in ingredients and are always made using traditional methods. Admittedly, they don’t have unique base ingredients like some craft distilleries, but that was never their aim. For 1350 Distilling, the focus is in the process and the spirit behind the brand.
We love 1350 Distilling for its dedication to both quality and cause. The smooth taste of their liquors, together with the knowledge that a portion of the proceeds supports a worthy cause, really makes for a fulfilling experience.
What better way to enjoy a good drink knowing you’re making a difference in the world while doing it? It’s almost a no-brainer. Community is also a key focus for the brand, which helps explain why their patrons, especially those from the military, are so loyal.
What Is the Alcohol Content of 1350 Distilling’s Spirits?
1350 Distilling makes a lot of different spirits for different tastes, so the alcohol content changes depending on what you prefer.
If you prefer a bolder flavor, we recommend their Code Four Cask Strength Straight Bourbon which packs a punch with a hefty 115 proof (57.5% ABV). Anyone planning to sip it neat or make an elaborate cocktail out of it doesn’t need to look any further.
If you’re more on the lighter end of the spectrum though, 1350 Distilling's vodka and gin typically come in at 80 proof (40% ABV). These are as approachable as it gets for casual drinkers without compromising on the taste and experience. We particularly like the fact that these spirits make a clean base for cocktails, whether it’s classic martinis or fresh summer drinks.
What Is the History of 1350 Distilling?
The distillery is still a young company, but its roots are deeply embedded in the American spirit. Founded by veterans, the reason this distillery exists is to be a tribute to those who serve. The name, a nod to the American flag, clearly showcases the brand’s patriotic ethos.
Despite being new, 1350 Distilling has grown pretty fast and steadily. Distilleries that are truly committed to making quality spirits rarely go unnoticed, and 1350 is particularly loved for its philanthropic mission alongside its stellar products.
Since its inception, the distillery has expanded its product line a fair bit and it hasn’t compromised its core values in the process. Today, you’ll find 1350 Distilling to be more than just a distillery; but rather a community hub where people celebrate American craftsmanship and support their veterans.
Where Is 1350 Distilling From?
1350 Distilling proudly calls Colorado Springs its home. Founded to honor the nation's servicemen and women, the distillery began in the very heart of Colorado. 1350 Distilling has continued to thrive right here, having uplifted the craft spirits scene of the state and established a community.
When Was 1350 Distilling Created?
1350 Distilling is considered a young distillery by most, having started out in 2017. Don’t be fooled by its relative infancy; the founders are all veterans and know a good drink when they see one. More than anything, the distillery came about as a patriotic endeavor, which it has continued to uphold to date, and we expect will do so for a long time to come.
What Types of Products Does 1350 Distilling Make?
1350 Distilling has a spirit for every connoisseur out there, including vodka, rum, gin, rye, and bourbon. There are variations of these too. Let’s look at each type in detail:
1350 Distilling Minuteman Vodka
A part of their solid foundation of classic spirits, their Minuteman Vodka is the perfect, clean canvas for any cocktail.
1350 Distilling Wingman Gin
Their Wingman Gin has a complex and aromatic botanical taste that you can only get with a high quality spirit.
1350 Distilling Bluejacket Rum
If you’re more of a rum enthusiast, they have their Bluejacket Rum for you with a tropical taste.
1350 Distilling Guardian Bourbon
This bourbon is proofed with fresh Colorado Rocky Mountain water which gives this spirt an almost sweet and very smooth profile.
1350 Distilling Leatherneck Rye Whiskey
Their Leatherneck Rye Whiskey has a spicy, strong flavor and has been aged three years.
1350 Distilling Old Blood & Guts' Strawberry Vodka
Their Old Blood & Guts' Strawberry Vodka takes the classic spirit and adds a fruity sweetness that makes for the best summer cocktails you’ve ever had
1350 Distilling Five Alarm Cinnamon Bourbon
Their Five Alarm Cinnamon Bourbon has a balanced cinnamon flavor that still allows you to enjoy that classic whiskey taste.
1350 Distilling Code Four 115 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey
If you’re looking for a bold spirit, 1350 Distilling has you covered. Their Code Four 115 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey is just one example of the distillery's intense spirits, made for the true connoisseur.
What Ingredients Are in 1350 Distilling’s Spirits?
There’s a lot that goes into each of the spirits that 1350 Distilling makes, but one constant among all of it is that it’s the highest quality stuff you can find out there.
Main Ingredients
1350 Distilling always chooses quality ingredients in their spirit-making process. Their vodka is typically made from the most premium grains available, which is how they get that clean and neutral base for cocktails.
For the gin, they make a careful selection of botanicals like juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels, which all come together for the classic gin character.
Their rum, on the other hand, is usually distilled from molasses full of richness and as complex as a calculus problem in college. Finally, there’s the whiskey, for which 1350 Distilling uses a mix of corn, rye, and malted barley. This mixture (and adjustments made to it) make for variations in the flavor that change from spirit to spirit.
Flavored Variations
For their flavored spirits, 1350 Distilling infuses natural flavors into the core. The Strawberry Vodka, for instance, is infused with real strawberries for its fruity taste. No artificial flavoring is entertained here. Similarly, the Cinnamon Bourbon is infused with cinnamon sticks or extract to get those warm, spicy notes in there.
How Much Do 1350 Distilling’s Spirits Usually Cost?
1350 Distilling has a range of price points since they have a lot on offer, but they’ve made sure to price them as competitively as possible to account for all budgets. For the most part, their core spirits are the most affordable ones, but some specialty or limited-edition bottles will demand a bit of a premium.
The most expensive one you’ll find will generally be around $70-80. Their Code Four 115 Proof Cask Strength Straight Bourbon is a good example, which usually retailed for $75 or more, depending on the market.
On the lower end, you can have their Minuteman Vodka for as low as $35. As far as distilleries like this go, the price range that 1350 Distilling has is definitely on the more accessible end of things, which we like quite a lot. They’re a viable option for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy 1350 Distilling’s Spirits?
Since most of 1350 Distilling’s spirits are unique from one another, we’re going to recommend a different way to enjoy each type. To fully appreciate them, though, we urge you to try as many different drinking styles as you can.
Straight up or on the Rocks
Some people love a pure taste experience, and if you’re one of them, 1350 spirits neat or on the rocks is a classic choice you can’t go wrong with. You’ll be able to savor the subtle nuances of flavor and aroma to their fullest. For recommendations, we like the Code Four 115 Proof Cask Strength Straight Bourbon to enjoy neat.
Cocktail Creations
Pretty much all 1350 spirits make for excellent bases with a wide array of cocktails. Just look at the versatility of their vodka, for example, which is a perfect ingredient for martinis, vodka tonics, or Bloody Marys alike. You could also go with their gin, which would instead be the star of a gin and tonic or a proper, sophisticated martini.
How to Choose a Good 1350 Distilling Spirit
There’s a lot that goes into choosing a good spirit, but with high-quality brands such as 1350 Distilling, you can’t go wrong with any option. So, in this section, we’re going to focus more on helping you find your preferences first, which play a bigger role in whether you like a drink or hate it.
First, figure out where you prefer a smooth, clean spirit or a bold, complex flavor.
Once you have this mapped out, go through the different categories of 1350 Distilling we talked about in this article. Which of these are ringing the right bells for you? Be sure to check out reviews and tasting notes from other enthusiasts to get a clear sense of each spirit’s character.
Also, remember that price isn’t the only indicator of quality, so you don’t have to go with the most expensive option. If you’re new to drinking, consider something with low proof and, if you prefer, some flavor added to it. You can work your way up from there and explore things you like better as you go.
Where Can You Find 1350 Distilling and Its Spirits?
1350 Distilling is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can get their products directly from the distillery, but their spirits are also available in a lot of liquor stores and bars across the United States. The easiest way to get them is online though; we retail them here at Speakeasy Co.
1350 Distilling FAQs
This section will cover any burning questions you may still have about the distillery and its products:
Is 1350 Distilling a Family-Owned Business?
1350 Distilling has a tight-knit community, but it’s not a family-owned business. It was established by veterans to honor their service and support charitable causes.
How Long Does 1350 Distilling Age Their Whiskey?
It really depends on which specific spirit you’re getting. They have a range of options, including younger and bolder expressions. Their Fleet Admirals Barrel Aged Rum is a good example, which is aged for a minimum of 6 months.
Does 1350 Distilling Offer Distillery Tours?
Yes, 1350 Distilling does give distillery tours. Visitors get an inside look at their production process. If you’re interested, remember to check their website or contact them directly for tour availability and scheduling.
A Toast to 1350 Distilling
1350 Distilling is one of the most committed, unapologetically American spirit brands out there. Their craftsmanship and patriotism really is unmatched by anything else. From its humble beginnings in Colorado Springs, the distillery has come a long way and certainly captured our hearts with their quality, reasonably priced spirits.
The best part of the distillery is still the fact that it has something for everyone and makes sure to donate proceeds from every sale to good charitable causes. Paired with all their stellar products, 1350 Distilling is a taste of the American spirit that we cannot recommend enough. If you aren't sure which of their spirts to talk with, we can't praise their Wingman Gin enough.
