Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon – Bold Catch, Smooth Finish in Every Drop

Updated → August 2025

Discover Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon, a 95-proof Colorado whiskey with gold medal pedigree. This unique bourbon blends high rye and wheat mash bills, finished with charred aspen wood for bold honey-vanilla notes and a long, spicy finish. Available at Wagon Wheel Liquors in Durango for $50.79.

The Colorado Bourbon Revolution

Colorado's whiskey scene has exploded from a handful of distilleries to over 100 craft producers in the past decade. At the forefront stands Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon, representing the innovative spirit of Rocky Mountain distilling. While Kentucky remains bourbon's birthplace, Colorado's high altitude, pure mountain water, and extreme temperature swings create ideal aging conditions that produce distinctly bold flavor profiles.

The state's bourbon makers leverage unique local ingredients and finishing techniques impossible elsewhere. Colorado's dry climate accelerates the angel's share evaporation, concentrating flavors more rapidly than traditional bourbon regions. This environmental advantage, combined with creative finishing methods like aspen wood aging, positions Colorado bourbons as premium alternatives to established brands.

How Big Catch Stacks Against Premium Bourbons

Understanding where Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon fits in the premium bourbon landscape requires direct comparison with established favorites:

The comparison reveals Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon commands a premium price point justified by its higher proof, unique aspen finishing, and gold medal credentials. The 95-proof strength delivers more intense flavors per sip while maintaining remarkable smoothness.

The Aspen Aging Secret

The revolutionary aspen wood finishing process sets Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon apart from every other bourbon on the market. This technique originated accidentally when founders Rick Talley and Owen Locke left whiskey with charred aspen in a jar over winter. The discovery led to a proprietary process where hand-cut aspen wood discs, both new and previously used in rye production, finish the bourbon for additional weeks.

Aspen wood imparts subtle vanilla and honey notes impossible to achieve with traditional oak alone. The softer wood releases compounds at different rates than oak, creating layers of complexity. This Colorado innovation transforms standard bourbon into something extraordinary – a whiskey that captures the essence of Rocky Mountain craftsmanship in every drop.

A Tasting Journey from Nose to Finish

Pour Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon neat into a Glencairn glass and experience a sensory adventure. The nose immediately presents strong honey and vanilla aromatics, followed by hints of dried berries, maple syrup, and toasted walnuts. These initial impressions promise complexity that the palate delivers in spades.

On first sip, the full-bodied texture coats the mouth with caramel, honey, and vanilla sweetness. Mid-palate, rye spice and peppercorn provide balance, preventing the sweetness from overwhelming. The 95-proof strength carries these flavors without harsh alcohol burn. The finish stretches impressively long, revealing layers of caramel, black pepper, toffee, light brown sugar, and cinnamon that linger for 30-45 seconds.

Mash Bill Mastery: The 3:1 Blend

Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon achieves its distinctive profile through an innovative 3:1 blend of two different mash bills. Three 53-gallon barrels contain 75% corn, 21% wheat, and 4% barley, providing creamy sweetness and smooth mouthfeel. One barrel features 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley, adding spice and structure.

This dual mash bill approach creates complexity impossible with single-recipe bourbons. The high wheat content delivers signature smoothness while the rye component prevents excessive sweetness. Aged for two years in new oak barrels before aspen finishing, this careful blending produces a bourbon that satisfies both wheated bourbon lovers and high-rye enthusiasts.

Gold Medal Recognition

The 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition awarded Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon a gold medal, validating its exceptional quality among industry experts. This blind-tasted competition judges spirits solely on merit, making the recognition particularly meaningful for a craft distillery competing against established brands.

Gold medal status places Big Catch among the top 10% of bourbons submitted globally. Judges praised its balance, complexity, and innovative finishing technique. This award follows Locke + Co's pattern of excellence – their Flagship Rye earned three gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, establishing the distillery's reputation for consistent quality.

When Art Meets Whiskey

The striking label art on Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon comes from a collaboration with artist Garrison Doctor and conservation group RepYourWater. This partnership reflects Colorado's outdoor culture, appealing to anglers and whiskey enthusiasts alike. The artwork transforms each bottle into a collectible piece celebrating both craftsmanship and conservation.

This artistic approach extends beyond aesthetics. The collaboration supports water conservation efforts critical to whiskey production and fishing habitat preservation. Purchasing Big Catch contributes to protecting the natural resources that make Colorado whiskey unique, creating a virtuous cycle between enjoyment and environmental stewardship.

The Perfect Serve

Maximizing enjoyment of Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon starts with proper serving technique. For first-time tasting, pour 1.5 ounces neat into a tulip-shaped glass at room temperature. Add 2-3 drops of filtered water to open up the aromatics – the 95-proof strength benefits from slight dilution without losing character.

For casual sipping, serve over a single large ice cube that melts slowly, maintaining flavor integrity. The bourbon's robust profile stands up well to dilution, making it ideal for extended enjoyment. Avoid small ice cubes that melt quickly and over-dilute. Temperature matters – slightly chilled (60-65°F) enhances the honey and vanilla notes while suppressing alcohol heat.

Cocktail Creations with Big Catch

The bold 95-proof strength of Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon shines in classic cocktails. Its honey-forward profile elevates an Old Fashioned – muddle a sugar cube with Angostura bitters, add 2 ounces Big Catch, stir with ice, and garnish with expressed orange peel. The aspen notes complement the citrus beautifully.

For a Colorado twist on the Manhattan, combine 2 ounces Big Catch, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes chocolate bitters. The bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes harmonize with vermouth's herbal complexity. In a Whiskey Sour, the higher proof balances citrus acidity perfectly – shake 2 ounces bourbon, 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce honey syrup for a Rocky Mountain interpretation of this classic.

Food Pairings That Elevate

Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon pairs exceptionally with rich, savory dishes. The honey and vanilla notes complement grilled meats beautifully – try it alongside brown sugar-rubbed pork tenderloin or maple-glazed salmon. The rye spice cuts through fatty foods, making it ideal with aged cheeses or charcuterie boards.

For dessert pairings, the bourbon's caramel and toffee finish enhances dark chocolate, pecan pie, or crème brûlée. The key lies in matching intensity – bold flavors require the bourbon's full 95-proof strength. Serve neat alongside dessert rather than over ice to maintain flavor concentration. Consider offering bourbon-infused whipped cream with desserts for an integrated pairing experience.

Storage and Collection Tips

Proper storage ensures Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon maintains peak quality for years. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark location away from temperature fluctuations. Unlike wine, bourbon doesn't improve in the bottle, but proper storage prevents degradation. Keep bottles away from direct sunlight, which can alter flavor compounds and fade the collectible label artwork.

For collectors, Big Catch represents an excellent addition due to limited production runs and artistic packaging. Document purchase dates and batch numbers if available. The unique aspen aging process and collaborative artwork make this bourbon particularly desirable for Colorado whiskey collections. Consider purchasing multiple bottles – one for immediate enjoyment and others for special occasions or future trading.

Price Point and Value Analysis

At $50.79 from Wagon Wheel Liquors, Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon occupies the premium craft bourbon segment. This pricing reflects several value factors: higher 95-proof strength delivers more flavor per pour, gold medal quality validation, unique aspen finishing unavailable elsewhere, and limited small-batch production.

Compared to mass-market bourbons, Big Catch costs 40-60% more but delivers proportionally greater complexity and uniqueness. The price aligns with other craft bourbons of similar quality and proof. For bourbon enthusiasts seeking distinctive flavors beyond standard offerings, the premium proves worthwhile. Calculate cost per pour at approximately $3.40 for a 1.5-ounce serving – reasonable for gold medal quality.

Purchase Today at Wagon Wheel

Secure your bottle of Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon today at Wagon Wheel Liquors. Located at 30 Town Plaza in Durango, the store offers convenient shopping for this premium Colorado bourbon. Call ahead at (970) 247-1655 to confirm availability, as limited production means stock can sell quickly.

Wagon Wheel Liquors provides expert staff who can discuss serving suggestions and recommend complementary spirits for your collection. Visit their website for current promotions or join their SMS list for exclusive discounts on premium spirits. Don't miss experiencing this award-winning bourbon that captures Colorado's innovative distilling spirit in every bottle.

The Locke + Co Legacy

Understanding Locke Co Big Catch Aspen Aged Bourbon requires appreciating the distillery's origin story. Sixth-generation Coloradans Rick Talley and Owen Locke transformed a garage hobby into an award-winning distillery. Their commitment to Colorado ingredients and innovative techniques reflects deep state pride and pioneering spirit.

From their first 23-gallon still in 2010 to today's expanded production, Locke + Co maintains small-batch quality standards. Every bottle represents their philosophy: whiskey should bring people together, whether around campfires or fine dining tables. Big Catch embodies this vision through its approachable yet sophisticated profile, artistic presentation, and environmental consciousness – truly a bourbon that celebrates the best of Colorado living.