Montanya Distillers' CEO Named First Female Keynote for ADI Craft Spirits Conference

Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya Distillers, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Conference. This marks the first time a woman has been named the keynote since the conference’s inception in 2003.

“ADI has been a consistent source of support and education since I founded Montanya nearly a decade ago. It is an honor to provide the address, especially amid the pivotal growth the industry is experiencing,” says Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya.

 

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
A Drinking Guide to the Best Ski Town Breweries and Distilleries

Drinking and ski culture undoubtedly go hand-in-hand. As any seasoned skier or snowboarder knows, the après ski scene is almost as important as the snow conditions.

But it’s no longer enough to swing by the pub closest to the ski lift and order a Bud Light. A major trend in skin towns over the past few years has been the establishment of local and artisanal craft breweries and distilleries. From rare beers, to whiskey, vodka, schnaps, and more, visiting these spots makes for the perfect “off-mountain” activity.

Here, we pulled together a quick guide to where to go and what to order at these après ski destinations. Next time you visit make sure you swing by. Tell them Mr. Luxury Ski sent you…

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
West Slope distiller wins export award

A Western Slope distiller is among the latest winners of awards recognizing Colorado companies for their success in exporting.

Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte won the New-to-Export Award.

Northern Feed and Bean Co. in Lucerne won the Experienced Exporter Award in an annual program conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The awards were scheduled for presentation as part of the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture Feb. 22 in Denver.

“We had many good candidates this year, and we are proud to recognize these two companies for their hard work around the world,” said John Addison, international marketing specialist for the department. “This awards program is a way to celebrate the export successes of Colorado’s agricultural community.”

Montanya Distillers was honored for marketing its rums in Europe, overcoming obstacles to export to a logistically challenging market.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017, Export
Another award for the local rum

Another award for the local rum

Crested Butte’s Montanya Distiller’s has won the New-To-Export Award from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Montanya won the award for its innovation in getting its rum marketed in Europe. The state singled out Montanya for its tenacity and can-do attitude when faced with logistical challenges, which has proven too much for many large companies. Congratulations on another prestigious award.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017, Export
Awards honor Colorado companies for agricultural exports

Agriculture continues to be one of Colorado’s top industries, contributing more than $40 billion to the state economy each year. In addition to feeding the state and nation, Colorado farm products travel the globe, with Colorado agricultural exports approaching nearly $2 billion annually. The Colorado Department of Agriculture is honoring two companies for their success in beginning or expanding exports with the third annual Governor’s Award for Agricultural Exporting.

Congratulations to Montanya Rum in Crested Butte, Colorado, for winning the New-To-Export Award. Montanya Rum in true entrepreneurial spirit has been innovative in finding a way to get their product marketed in Europe. They overcame obstacles to doing trade in a market that is logistically challenging, and this new export opportunity is making them highly competitive.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017, Export
Companies honored for ag exports

Congratulations to Montanya Rum in Crested Butte, Colorado for winning the New-To-Export Award. Montanya Rum in true entrepreneurial spirit has been innovative in finding a way to get their product marketed in Europe. They overcame obstacles to doing trade in a market that is logistically challenging, and this new export opportunity is making them highly competitive. - See more at: https://www.morningagclips.com/companies-honored-for-ag-exports/#sthash.XNIOZQBd.dpuf

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
Winter Bikepacking, Backcountry Hut-Style

For anyone curious about winter bikepacking, but not quite ready to rough it, there is a perfect solution in Gothic, Colorado. The Maroon Hut, operated by Crested Butte Nordichas been a winter overnight destination for skiers and snowshoers for manyyears. Now, thanks to Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA), blessed with US Forest Service approval, the 3.5-mile route to the hut is groomed so that fat bikers can join the fun.

(Scroll down a bit for Montanya pics!)

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Karen Hoskin
EAT, SLEEP, PLAY: CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO

The small mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado is the place to be this winter. In the first two weeks of January 2017, the historic ski town has recorded 112 inches of snowfall, up from 31 inches of snowfall recorded during the entire month of January in 2016. A former coal mining town, Crested Butte is touted for being “the last great ski town” with roots in the skiing industry dating back to the 1960s. Today, Crested Butte’s authentic small town charm and gusto is about as alluring as it gets for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors, and enjoy a relaxing weekend filled with world-class scenery, delicious food, and locally-made libations. With snow continuing to blanket Crested Butte, and more importantly, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, we’ve put together our tips for how to eat, sleep, and play in this charming ski town.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
crested butte: montanya distillers tasting room

I can’t tell you how many times I have walked past Montanya Distillers Tasting Room on Elk Avenue and dismissed eating there because I thought all they had was rum. It’s true that they have rum, really good rum and lots of it! But they also serve great food, the kind of bites you crave a few days later after a hike, bike, or ski. We went in for the first time last summer and keep returning for the noshes as much as the sips.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
The 6 Best New Rums of 2016

When it comes to sales, rum may not be a powerhouse spirit category like vodka or whiskey, but this past year’s new releases certainly make an argument for drinking more of the sweet-and-funky spirit. With American-made craft rums on the rise and the country in the throes of a full-blown tiki revival, there’s more and more amazing bottles flooding the market and more and more bartenders spreading the gospel of great rum

 

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
The World’s 10 Most Obscure Places to Celebrate New Years

Vegas? Check…like too many times to count. Times Square? Froze to death, but been there. Miami? Yeah, yeah. So, you’ve done the standard NYE thing. Good for you, but it’s time to upgrade your New Year’s Eve game. Because, let’s face it—New Year’s Eve can be underwhelming. Dinner is super expensive, club lines are annoyingly long and wherever you end up, you’re usually forced to sport one of those cheesy hats.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
Where to Celebrate National Eggnog Month in Denver

We're in the midst of an entire month dedicated to the creamy, spicy goodness of eggnog. It's the drink that makes the holidays sparkle with a little more buzz. Though you surely have a carton of the store-bought stuff in the fridge right now, there are more sophisticated ways to celebrate such a beloved concoction.

Take a night out on the town to indulge in one the best eggnogs in Denver before the season is over.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017
From cane to cask: Montanya Distillers

Certain spirits conjure a sense of place. Although rum is made worldwide, it evokes images of tropical isles and azure seas. If Crested Butte’s Montanya Distillers is any indication, however, Colorado rum made with sustainable, traceable, North American ingredients is poised to change the way people think about what’s in their Mai Tai or mojito.

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Karen HoskinWinter 2017