Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Colorado's Sweetest Spirit in a Beehive Still

Updated → August 2025

Experience the perfect marriage of traditional bourbon craftsmanship and Colorado's beekeeping heritage in this 96-proof straight bourbon aged over four years in charred American oak, distilled through a custom beehive-shaped still using mountain spring water and locally harvested corn.

The Durango Bourbon Renaissance

The Colorado craft spirits scene has exploded in recent years, with over 70 distilleries now operating across the state. Among these innovative producers, Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands as a testament to Durango's unique contribution to American whiskey culture. This isn't just another craft bourbon riding the wave of artisanal spirits—it's a thoughtfully crafted expression that honors both traditional bourbon-making techniques and Colorado's rich agricultural heritage.

What sets the Durango bourbon scene apart is its combination of high-altitude aging conditions, pristine mountain water sources, and access to exceptional local grains. The thin mountain air and dramatic temperature swings create unique aging conditions that impart distinctive characteristics to spirits matured at elevation. For bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond the typical Kentucky or Tennessee offerings, Colorado's craft distilleries offer exciting alternatives that challenge preconceptions about American whiskey.

A Century of Honey Heritage

The story of Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey begins not in a distillery, but in the apiaries of 1920s Colorado. Vernon Culhane established Honeyville nearly a century ago, building a reputation for exceptional raw honey products including their famous cinnamon whipped honey and honey-sweetened preserves. This multi-generational commitment to quality honey production laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of Colorado's most distinctive distilleries.

Today, Kevin Culhane (Vernon's grandson) and co-founder Adam Bergal have transformed this beekeeping legacy into a spirits empire. While honey features prominently in several of their expressions, their straight bourbon whiskey showcases their ability to create exceptional traditional spirits without relying on honey as a crutch. This bourbon represents their mastery of classic distilling techniques, proving that Honey House is more than just a one-trick pony in the competitive craft spirits market.

The Beehive Still Innovation

Perhaps the most visually striking aspect of Honey House Distillery's operation is their custom Vendome Copper Works still, crafted in the shape of a beehive. This isn't merely an aesthetic choice—the unique geometry of the beehive design affects how vapors rise and condense during distillation, potentially contributing subtle nuances to the final spirit. The copper construction provides essential chemical reactions that help remove sulfur compounds and create a cleaner, smoother distillate.

Single-batch distillation in this distinctive still allows for precise control over each run, ensuring consistency while maintaining the artisanal character that defines craft spirits. The beehive still has become an icon of Durango's distilling scene, representing the perfect marriage of form and function that characterizes the best craft distilleries. Visitors to the distillery often marvel at this copper sculpture that serves as both a working tool and a piece of functional art.

From Colorado Corn to Bourbon Gold

The production of Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey begins with locally harvested Colorado corn, which forms the majority of the mash bill. This high corn content provides the bourbon's characteristic sweetness and full body, while carefully selected proportions of rye and malted barley add complexity and spice. The use of mountain spring water—naturally filtered through Colorado's rocky terrain—contributes minerality and purity that sets this bourbon apart from its lowland counterparts.

The fermentation process utilizes carefully selected yeast strains that highlight the grain's natural flavors while producing desirable congeners that will develop during aging. After distillation in the iconic beehive still, the new-make spirit enters new, lightly charred American oak barrels at the optimal proof for flavor extraction. This lighter char level allows more of the wood's natural vanilla and caramel notes to shine through without overwhelming the delicate grain character.

Tasting Profile and Character

At 96 proof (48 % ABV), Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey strikes an ideal balance between flavor intensity and drinkability. On the nose, expect classic bourbon aromas of vanilla and caramel, complemented by subtle hints of honey (a nod to the distillery's heritage), toasted oak, and warm baking spices. The high corn content manifests as a pleasant sweetness that doesn't overwhelm the senses.

The palate delivers a rich, full-bodied experience with layers of butterscotch, dried fruit, and gentle rye spice. The mountain water's influence becomes apparent in the clean, crisp finish that avoids the heavy, cloying character found in some craft bourbons. Notes of cinnamon and black pepper emerge on the mid-palate, while the finish lingers with pleasant oak tannins and a touch of dark chocolate. This is a bourbon that rewards patient sipping, revealing new flavors as it opens up in the glass.

Colorado Bourbon Landscape

Four Years in American Oak

The aging process for Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey takes place in Durango's unique climate, where dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood. Over four years in new, lightly charred American oak barrels, the bourbon develops its deep amber color and complex flavor profile. The lighter char allows for a more nuanced extraction of wood sugars and tannins.

Colorado's high altitude and low humidity create what distillers call the “angel's share”—the portion of spirit that evaporates during aging. While this results in some volume loss, it concentrates the remaining bourbon's flavors. The warehouse's temperature swings cause the barrels to “breathe,” pushing the spirit deep into the wood grain during warm periods and drawing it back out as temperatures cool. This constant movement accelerates maturation, allowing Colorado bourbons to achieve flavor complexity in four years that might take six or more years at sea level.

Perfect Pairings and Cocktails

While Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey shines when sipped neat, its balanced profile makes it an excellent base for classic cocktails. The bourbon's natural sweetness and full body stand up beautifully in an Old Fashioned, where a sugar cube, bitters, and orange peel complement rather than mask its character. For a Colorado twist, try substituting local honey for the sugar cube—a nod to the distillery's heritage.

Food pairings elevate the bourbon experience to new heights. The spirit's caramel and vanilla notes harmonize perfectly with dark chocolate desserts, while its spicy rye component cuts through rich, fatty meats like duck or pork belly. For a memorable tasting experience, pair it with aged cheeses, particularly sharp cheddars or nutty alpine varieties. The bourbon's oak tannins also complement grilled foods, making it an ideal accompaniment to barbecued meats or charred vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

To fully appreciate Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey, proper serving technique matters. Start by pouring a moderate amount into a tulip-shaped glass or Glencairn, which concentrates the aromas. Let the bourbon rest for a few minutes to allow volatile compounds to dissipate. Some enthusiasts add a few drops of room-temperature water to “open up” the spirit, releasing additional flavors and aromas.

Temperature plays a crucial role in bourbon enjoyment. While some prefer their bourbon chilled or over ice, this can mute subtle flavors. For the full tasting experience, serve at room temperature. If you prefer your bourbon cold, consider using whiskey stones or a single large ice cube that melts slowly, preventing over-dilution. When making cocktails, always use fresh ingredients and quality mixers—this premium bourbon deserves accompaniments that match its caliber.

Bottle Design and Presentation

The packaging of Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey reflects the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. The bottle design likely incorporates elements that pay homage to both the distillery's beekeeping roots and its Colorado mountain location. Premium labeling and attention to detail in packaging communicate the quality of the spirit within, making it an attractive addition to any home bar or an impressive gift.

Collectors appreciate bottles that tell a story, and Honey House delivers on this front. Each bottle represents not just four years of aging, but nearly a century of family tradition in producing exceptional honey-based products. The presentation makes it clear that this isn't mass-produced bourbon but rather a carefully crafted spirit with deep local roots and a unique production story that sets it apart on crowded liquor store shelves.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands out for its commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices. By using Colorado-grown corn and mountain spring water, the distillery minimizes transportation emissions while supporting local agriculture. The connection to Honeyville's beekeeping operations also highlights the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem.

The distillery faces challenges common to honey-dependent businesses, including the effects of Colony Collapse Disorder on bee populations. This has led Honey House to diversify their product line while maintaining their commitment to honey-forward spirits. Their expansion into traditional bourbon production demonstrates adaptability while honoring their heritage. The use of spent grains for animal feed and other sustainable practices further demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Collecting and Investment Potential

As craft spirits continue to gain recognition and value, bottles like Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey present interesting opportunities for collectors. Limited production runs, unique production methods (the beehive still), and strong local heritage create scarcity and desirability. As the distillery's reputation grows beyond Colorado, early bottles may appreciate in value, particularly if they maintain consistent quality while scaling production.

Smart collectors look for distilleries with unique stories, sustainable practices, and distinctive production methods—all boxes that Honey House checks. The four-plus year aging statement adds credibility in a market sometimes flooded with younger spirits. Whether purchasing for enjoyment or investment, buyers should store bottles upright in a cool, dark place to preserve the cork and maintain quality. Document purchase dates and any special releases for future reference.

Gift-Worthy Occasions

A bottle of Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey makes an exceptional gift for various occasions. Its Colorado heritage makes it perfect for locals wanting to share a taste of home or visitors seeking an authentic souvenir. The premium quality and unique production story elevate it beyond typical gift bottles, showing thoughtfulness and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Consider gifting this bourbon for milestone celebrations like promotions, retirements, or significant birthdays. The four-year aging makes it appropriate for anniversary gifts, while the craft distillery story appeals to entrepreneurs and small business supporters. For the holidays, pair it with local honey or artisanal chocolates for a complete Colorado-themed gift basket. Wedding parties, housewarmings, and thank-you gifts all benefit from this bottle's combination of quality, story, and local pride.

Where to Buy in Durango

For those seeking to purchase Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Wagon Wheel Liquors provides convenient access to this local treasure. As one of Durango's established liquor retailers, they understand the importance of supporting local distilleries while offering customers access to unique, high-quality spirits. Their knowledgeable staff can provide additional insights into the bourbon and suggest complementary products.

Beyond retail availability, consider visiting the Honey House Distillery tasting room in Durango for the complete experience. Here, you can sample the full range of spirits, learn about the distillation process, and often meet the people behind the brand. The tasting room also offers exclusive releases and limited editions not available in stores, making it a must-visit destination for serious bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Final Verdict

Honey House Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents everything exciting about American craft distilling. It honors bourbon tradition while incorporating unique elements like the beehive still and Colorado terroir. The four-year aging provides legitimate maturity, while the 96-proof strength delivers bold flavors without overwhelming heat. This is a bourbon that can stand proudly alongside established Kentucky brands while offering something genuinely different.

Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur seeking new expressions, a Colorado spirits enthusiast supporting local craft distilleries, or simply someone who appreciates quality whiskey with a compelling story, this bottle delivers on all fronts. The combination of traditional techniques, local ingredients, unique equipment, and family heritage creates a bourbon that's both accessible to newcomers and complex enough to satisfy experienced palates. At its price point, it represents excellent value for a genuinely craft-produced, properly aged straight bourbon whiskey.