Photos: Colorado’s Best Tasting Rooms

Colorado is a leader in the proliferation of artisan distilleries — along with Washington, California and Oregon — because of our microbreweries, according to Bill Owens, president of the American Distilling Institute. Sampling hooch straight from the source — in a distillery’s tasting room — is a unique experience, regardless of whether it’s of the craft variety or mass-produced. Tasting rooms are often off the beaten path. The owners might explain the distilling process, give free samples and take guests on tours. Craft distilleries also tend to have philosophies that support community and sustainability.