A Colorado whiskey has recently gained recognition on the global stage, being crowned the best American-made single malt at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Loveland’s Root Shoot Spirits earned this prestigious accolade for its flagship product, Root Shoot Whiskey, which is made from barley grown exclusively on Colorado’s Front Range.
The announcement came at the end of April, marking a significant achievement for the distillery, particularly since this whiskey has been aged for four years and utilizes grains sourced directly from their own cultivation efforts. This recognition follows the recent designation of American single malt whiskey as an official spirits category in the United States, positioning local distillers to compete against renowned producers from Scotland and Japan.
Root Shoot Spirits operates as a sister company to Root Shoot Malting, which is owned by Todd Olander, a fifth-generation farmer. The malting company cultivates approximately 700 acres of barley to provide quality ingredients for brewers and distillers across Colorado. The award-winning whiskey was first launched in 2023, with the aim of encapsulating the essence of the farm and the malting process in a distinct spirit.
At the London Spirits Competition, judges rated Root Shoot Whiskey with an impressive 98 points out of 100, based on a variety of qualities including aroma, flavor, and overall appeal. Judges also consider the labeling and presentation when determining scores, differentiating this competition from others that may conduct blind tastings.
In Olander’s words, the recognition is not just for the whiskey itself but also for the agricultural efforts that have gone into its making, emphasizing the importance of the raw materials in producing quality spirits.
Interestingly, this is the second consecutive year that a Colorado whiskey has been awarded the title of best American single malt at the competition, following the win by Colorado Honey from Spirit Hound Distillers in 2024.
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