Woody Creek Potato Vodka – Colorado's Artisanal Spirit Meets Pure Mountain Perfection

Updated → July 2025

Experience the award-winning smoothness of Woody Creek Potato Vodka, a premium Colorado spirit crafted from locally-grown Rio Grande potatoes. This Double Gold winner delivers exceptional purity with a creamy finish that transforms every cocktail into an elevated experience.

The Potato Vodka Renaissance: Market Growth & Consumer Shift

The premium vodka landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with potato-based spirits experiencing a 47% growth surge since 2020. This renaissance reflects sophisticated consumers seeking authentic, terroir-driven spirits over mass-produced alternatives. Woody Creek Potato Vodka stands at the forefront of this movement, embodying the shift toward craft distillation and local sourcing.

Industry data reveals that consumers now prioritize ingredient transparency and production methods, with 73% of premium vodka buyers researching distillery practices before purchase. The Colorado craft spirits market alone has expanded by 312% over the past decade, positioning local producers like Woody Creek Distillers as serious competitors to international brands.

What drives this potato vodka preference? The answer lies in texture and taste complexity. Unlike grain-based vodkas that often emphasize neutrality, potato vodkas deliver a distinctive mouthfeel—creamy, viscous, and subtly sweet—that elevates both sipping experiences and cocktail construction. This textural difference has converted countless vodka enthusiasts who previously dismissed the category as flavorless.

Woody Creek vs. Premium Vodka Giants: The Ultimate Comparison

The Contenders: A Side-by-Side Analysis

When evaluating Woody Creek Potato Vodka against industry titans, the distinctions become immediately apparent:

The single distillation process of Woody Creek Potato Vodka preserves the natural potato character, creating a spirit with more personality than its multi-distilled counterparts. While Grey Goose commands premium pricing through marketing prowess, Woody Creek delivers superior value through authentic craftsmanship and local sourcing.

From Rocky Mountain Roots to Premium Bottles

Nestled in Basalt, Colorado, just 15 miles from Aspen, Woody Creek Distillers emerged in 2012 with a revolutionary mission: create grain-to-glass spirits that honor their origins. Founders Mary and Pat Scanlan, alongside Mark Kleckner, transformed a simple farming operation into one of America's most respected craft distilleries.

The distillery's location isn't merely scenic—it's essential. At 6,600 feet elevation, the pure Rocky Mountain spring water contributes minerality and clarity impossible to replicate elsewhere. The extreme temperature variations between seasons stress the potatoes, concentrating their starches and creating the foundation for exceptional vodka.

The Art of Single Distillation: Why Less Is More

Conventional wisdom suggests more distillations equal better vodka. Woody Creek Potato Vodka challenges this assumption through masterful single distillation in custom CARL copper stills. This approach preserves the potato's natural oils and congeners—flavor compounds typically stripped away through repeated distillation.

The process begins within days of harvest, ensuring peak freshness. Each 6,000-liter tank holds approximately 12,000 pounds of riced potatoes, combined with Rocky Mountain water for a five-hour cooking process. Natural enzymes convert starches to fermentable sugars through saccharification, creating the wash that feeds the stills.

Temperature control proves critical during distillation. The master distillers maintain precise heat levels to separate desirable flavors from harsh alcohols, achieving 96% ABV before dilution to bottling strength. This meticulous attention produces a vodka that's simultaneously pure and characterful.

7 Pounds of Potatoes: The Rio Grande Difference

Each bottle of Woody Creek Potato Vodka contains the essence of seven pounds of Rio Grande potatoes—a staggering commitment to quality. These aren't ordinary spuds; they're a blend of three heritage varieties: Rio Grande Russet, Chepita, and Lady Claire, each contributing unique flavor profiles.

The potatoes grow in two locations: Woody Creek's estate farm and partner farms in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Harvested at precisely three months—young enough for thin skins but mature enough for optimal starch content—timing proves everything. The distillery processes potatoes within 48 hours of harvest, capturing freshness impossible with stored crops.

Historical context adds romance to these potatoes. Colorado once supplied the nation with premium potatoes, so exceptional that President Theodore Roosevelt demanded them at his 1901 inauguration. The silver mining collapse ended this dominance, but Woody Creek resurrects this legacy in liquid form.

Tasting Notes: Creamy Texture Meets Mountain Purity

The Sensory Journey

Professional tasters consistently praise Woody Creek Potato Vodka for its distinctive profile:

• Nose: Subtle vanilla and baking spices with earthy undertones, hints of white pepper
• Palate: Creamy, almost viscous texture coating the mouth, gentle sweetness balanced by mineral notes
• Mid-palate: Fresh mint and rosemary emerge, with whispers of grapefruit peel
• Finish: Clean, lengthy, with black pepper warmth and no harsh burn

Wine Enthusiast awarded 93 points, noting the vodka's "refreshing neutrality" enhanced by complex botanical suggestions. The publication specifically highlighted the interplay between creamy texture and bright citrus notes—a combination rarely achieved in vodka production.

Award-Winning Excellence: Double Gold & Beyond

Recognition for Woody Creek Potato Vodka extends beyond casual appreciation. The 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Double Gold—the highest honor possible, requiring unanimous agreement among all judges. This achievement placed Woody Creek alongside vodkas costing twice the price.

Subsequent competitions reinforced this excellence. The vodka consistently medals at the New York International Spirits Competition, Denver International Spirits Competition, and American Distilling Institute awards. Industry professionals particularly note its performance in blind tastings, where brand recognition can't influence scores.

Mixology Magic: Perfect Pairings & Signature Cocktails

The Woody Creek Mule

This elevated take on the Moscow Mule showcases the vodka's versatility:

• 2 oz Woody Creek Potato Vodka
• 0.5 oz fresh pear nectar
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 4 oz premium ginger beer
• Fresh pear slice garnish

Mountain Martini

For purists seeking vodka's ultimate expression:

• 2.5 oz Woody Creek Potato Vodka
• 0.25 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive
• Stir with ice, strain into chilled glass

Professional bartenders recommend vodka sodas to highlight the spirit's nuanced flavors. The carbonation and slight salinity of quality soda water amplify the potato's natural sweetness while maintaining refreshing drinkability.

Temperature, Glassware & Serving Secrets

Optimal enjoyment of Woody Creek Potato Vodka requires attention to serving details. Store bottles in the freezer for neat service—the high alcohol content prevents freezing while the cold temperature enhances the creamy texture. For cocktails, refrigerator temperature (38-42°F) preserves more subtle flavors.

Glassware matters more than many realize. Neat pours benefit from small tulip-shaped glasses that concentrate aromas. Cocktails shine in traditional vessels—coupes for martinis, copper mugs for mules, highballs for vodka sodas. Always chill glassware before serving to maintain optimal temperature throughout consumption.

Culinary Companions: Food Pairing Perfection

The creamy texture and subtle flavors of Woody Creek Potato Vodka create surprising food pairing opportunities:

• Seafood: Oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon enhance the vodka's mineral notes
• Cheese: Aged cheddars and creamy bries complement the potato richness
• Charcuterie: Cured meats balance the spirit's sweetness with savory depth
• Pickled vegetables: Traditional Eastern European accompaniments that cleanse the palate

Investment-Worthy: Price Point & Value Proposition

At $29-31 per 750ml bottle, Woody Creek Potato Vodka occupies the sweet spot between everyday spirits and luxury indulgence. Compare this to Grey Goose at $35-45 or ultra-premium options exceeding $50—Woody Creek delivers comparable quality at significant savings.

The value extends beyond price. Seven pounds of potatoes per bottle represents substantial raw material investment. Single distillation in copper stills requires expertise many distilleries lack. The combination of premium ingredients, artisanal production, and reasonable pricing makes this an intelligent purchase for discerning drinkers.

Preserving Perfection: Storage & Shelf Life

Proper storage ensures Woody Creek Potato Vodka maintains peak quality. Store unopened bottles upright in cool, dark locations—basements or pantries work perfectly. Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, which can affect flavor stability.

Once opened, vodka remains stable indefinitely when properly sealed. However, optimal flavor persists for 12-18 months. The high alcohol content prevents spoilage, but subtle aromatics may dissipate over extended periods. For maximum enjoyment, consume opened bottles within one year.

Find It Fresh at Wagon Wheel Liquors

Durango residents seeking Woody Creek Potato Vodka need look no further than Wagon Wheel Liquors. This downtown institution has served the community for over 60 years, earning reputation through knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing.

The store's commitment to Colorado craft spirits ensures fresh inventory rotation. Their buyers maintain direct relationships with Woody Creek Distillers, guaranteeing authentic products and optimal storage conditions from distillery to shelf.

What Durango Locals Are Saying

Customer feedback consistently highlights Woody Creek Potato Vodka as a local favorite. Bartenders from Durango's top restaurants specifically request it for their premium cocktail programs. Home enthusiasts appreciate the versatility—equally suited for casual mixed drinks or special occasion sipping.

Regular customers note the vodka's ability to convert grain vodka loyalists. The creamy texture and complex flavor profile challenge preconceptions about vodka's potential. Many report keeping bottles in constant rotation, using it as their house vodka for all applications.

How to Buy: In-Store, Curbside & Special Orders

Wagon Wheel Liquors offers multiple purchase options for Woody Creek Potato Vodka. Visit the downtown location for immediate purchase, with knowledgeable staff available for recommendations and pairing suggestions.

Special services include:

• Phone orders for curbside pickup: (970) 247-1655
• Case discounts for events and celebrations
• Special orders for large format bottles
• Gift wrapping during holiday seasons
• Happy Hour pricing Monday-Friday 4-6PM (cash/check only)