All about Branch & Barrel
A whiskey that captures the spirit of Colorado's wide-open spaces, DIY ambition, and the joy of making something truly worth drinking. Branch and Barrel Distilling was born in the late 2010s when founders Ryan Morgan, Tom Sielaff, and Scott Freund set out to create the perfect Colorado Bourbon, not from a legacy recipe or a corporate playbook, but from genuine curiosity, local ingredients, and a willingness to do things differently. The brand reflects the same hands-on energy, turning a backyard experiment into one of Colorado's most-awarded independent distilleries. Each bottle represents the journey from early trial batches to a fully realized whiskey brand tied closely to Colorado's identity.
Branch and Barrel Distilling is co-owned by Ryan Morgan and Scott Freund, who built the Centennial, Colorado, distillery entirely by hand alongside co-founder Tom Sielaff. The team worked alongside Master Distiller Ted Smith to develop the brand's signature recipes using high-quality Colorado prairie corn sourced from a dairy co-op in Wiggins, locally grown barley, and pure Arapahoe Aquifer snowmelt water drawn from wells on the owner's property. The distillery's production system is famously built from upcycled industrial equipment, repurposed stainless steel tanks, converted soup cookers, and retrofitted water heaters, reflecting a production philosophy as unconventional as its founders. The goal was to make a bourbon whiskey that tasted unmistakably like Colorado, and the result is a lineup of spirits that has won over 37 awards in competitions since 2019.
Branch and Barrel distilling developed through a process that combined unconventional equipment with practical innovation. Early production relied on repurposed materials, including improvised stills, stainless steel tanks, and custom-built systems designed to meet specific needs. This approach continues today, with upcycled equipment forming a core part of the distillation process. The brand focuses on American bourbon whiskey made primarily from Colorado prairie corn, with barley for added depth and water sourced from the Arapahoe Aquifer. This combination creates a whiskey that is smooth, slightly sweet, and grounded in regional character.
Branch and Barrel whiskey includes a range of expressions that highlight different aging methods and flavor profiles. Some of the most recognized options include:
These branch-and-barrel bourbon whiskeys are often selected for sipping or for exploring variations in barrel aging. The flagship bourbon, known for its award-winning profile, emphasizes a corn-forward mashbill and balanced sweetness, while specialty releases introduce layered notes influenced by unique barrel treatments.
Branch and Barrel continues to reflect a lifestyle centered on creativity, local sourcing, and community connection. The brand represents a modern approach to American bourbon whiskey, where experimentation and regional pride shape every step of the production process. Whether enjoyed neat or shared in casual settings, Branch and Barrel brings the character of a Colorado distillery into each pour, connecting drinkers with the story behind the spirit.
