Leopold Bros

Leopold Bros. (Denver, CO): Science, Craft, and a Lot of Tasting

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two brothers with serious brainpower, brewing chops, and zero chill about quality decide to open a distillery — welcome to Leopold Bros. in Denver.

Todd and Scott Leopold started off back in 1999 brewing beer, but it didn’t take long for their passion to pivot into spirits. Fast forward to today, and they’ve created one of the most thoughtful, precise, and downright fascinating distilleries I’ve ever set foot in. And yes — the tour lives up to the hype.

This Place Is Built Different

Most distilleries have a still or two. Leopold Bros.? They've got eight custom-designed stills, including some you’ve probably never even heard of unless you moonlight as a distillation nerd. Their crown jewel? A rare, meticulously built Three Chamber Still — one of the only working versions of its kind in the world. It's used in their rye whiskey and gives it an incredibly rich, earthy flavor that’s just not possible with modern equipment.

But they didn’t stop there. They’ve built a floor malting system (yep, they malt their own barley on-site), an open-air fermentation process that leverages wild Denver yeasts, and their own Barrelhouse where the aging magic happens.

It’s not just about making spirits — it’s about doing things the hard way, on purpose, because they believe it tastes better. Spoiler: it does.

The Tour: Nerdy, Generous, and Delicious

Mrs. W&B and I were lucky enough to take the full tour and it was a total standout. We walked through their lab-like production floor, gawked at their towering stills (including a vodka still that could probably power a spaceship), and got the full download on their process from grain to glass.

And yes — there were tastings. A lot of tastings.

I’ve never been on a tour that so generously poured samples at every step. And just in case you missed something during the walkthrough, the tasting room at the end makes sure you leave with your curiosity — and your glass — satisfied.

The Spirits: More Than Just Whisky (But Also Really Good Whisky)

Naturally, I went in thinking the whiskies would steal the show. And they were solid — especially the Three Chamber Rye, which has this bold, old-school character that tastes like something out of a sepia-toned photo of pre-Prohibition America.

But to my surprise, it was the liqueurs and vodka that stood out most. Their vodka is distilled... well, maybe not a gazillion times, but close enough — and it’s so clean and smooth it’s almost suspicious. The Maraschino Liqueur, Rocky Mountain Blackberry, and Aperitivo were dangerously drinkable and ended up in our take-home stash.

Their spirits lineup is huge — vodka, gin (including summer and American styles), flavored whiskies, aperitivos, absinthe, a small library of liqueurs, and a growing collection of whiskies and bourbons. Whether you’re a neat-sipping whisky fan or a cocktail explorer, there’s something here for you.

Plan Your Visit

The distillery is a bit off the beaten path — tucked into an industrial area on the outskirts of Denver — but 100% worth the short trek. If you're planning a visit, book the tour ahead of time, and maybe call a ride for after… just in case you enjoy the tastings a little too much. 😉

It’s not just a distillery — it’s a spirit science lab with heart. And a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the long game in craft.