A new piece by Teton Gravity Research spotlights Crested Butte, and features a handful of our favorite enterprising locals like the Weinbergs at Romp Skis, Al Smith at Camp 4, and Karen Hoskin at Montanya Rum.

Karen Hoskin of Montanya Distillers spent 15 years as a graphic designer and growing her own branding agency when she decided it was time for a challenge — and a change.

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
OCTOBER 11, 2017

LOVELAND

What Makes it special?
Loveland endures. The ultimate Colorado locals’ mountain stays that way because the parking is free (and friendly), the luxury condos non-existant, the terrain challenging and the drive tolerable.

GO HERE
Sign up for free cat rides and make laps on The Ridge and (new this year) Dry Gulch—or grab a free uphill pass and earn some turns.

The Ultimate Holiday Guide To Colorado Crafted Gifts and Experiences

Denver, CO (October 5, 2017) – Colorado offers much inspiration for the holiday season. The state’s thriving culture and craftsmanship ensure there are many imaginative and thoughtful ways to give the spirit of the region. Colorado is also a real-life winter wonderland dotted with magical festivals, events, and activities to get visitors in the mood of the season. Below is a guide from all corners of Colorado to use as a tool in finding the perfect gift, or more importantly, to give the gift of a memorable holiday experience.

Your “GO TO” Colorado Skiing Guide
 

Enjoy this comprehensive Colorado Ski Resorts list and SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

NEIL SOWERBY 24 September 2017

GHOSTS of the Wild West never fade away. Billy, Jesse, Wyatt and Doc still ride into town, chewing baccy, Colt 45s on their hips, heading for some saloon brawl over a poker game. Gunslingers, card sharps, train robbers, greenhorns and settlers – the whole damn possehaunting our imaginations through a Hollywood soft focus.

Headed to the mountain town to catch the fall colors? Here’s where to grab a bite.

BY TYRA SUTAK | SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

5280.com

From the golden aspen trees currently lining Kebler Pass to the soon-to-be-blanketed-in-snow ski slopes, Crested Butte is a year-round slice of heaven for outdoor enthusiasts in the state of Colorado. And while the recreational opportunities alone draw plenty of visitors to this small mountain town, the laid-back vibe, aprés lifestyle, and vibrant, worldly dining scene don’t hurt, either. CB’s downtown hub is filled with bustling, inviting establishments that will satisfy a variety of cravings. Here are our top 10 picks for eating like a local.

By Karen Hoskin

Does your distillery have a “deathprint”?

Every kilowatt-hour of coal-generated electricity is 670 times more likely to kill someone than wind power. Every plastic cup used at tasting events will hang around for 450 years or more in piles of waste. Airline travel and freight shipments will produce 27% of green- house gases. These facts, back in 2008 when I started my distillery, made it hard for me to sleep at night. 

Methods and examples of how to make your distillery more sustainable are reviewed. Karen Hoskin of Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte, Co is interviewed to discuss how she has made her distillery more sustainable over their first decade.

At a cozy, dimly lit bar in downtown Phoenix, the back wall is filled with bottles liquor stretching all the way to the ceiling.

But this bar is different, because it features just one type of spirit: rum.

There are a staggering 150 types of rum from around the world at the Breadfruit & Rum Bar, owned by Dwayne Allen. The restaurant/bar is an ode to his native Jamaica. 

"When we first opened in 2010, we were quickly aware that perhaps we are delusional serving 36 rums," Allen said. "What you see on the shelf is what is available."

With National Rum Day approaching on Aug. 16, it shines a spotlight on the bar, as well as on Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar in north Scottsdale, which also boasts an impressive 150 rums. 

The Berlin International Spirits Competition has named Montanya Distillers’ Oro rum 2017 USA Rum of the Year. Montanya is a craft rum distillery out of Crested Butte, Colo. that uses old-world artisan traditions, combining science with art. Its Oro rum is distilled from raw Louisiana sugarcane and aged for 12 months in an American Oak Barrel, which previously aged Colorado Whiskey. Montanya’s rum uses only four natural American ingredients: non-GMO sugar cane, mountain spring water, yeast, and a touch of caramelized Rocky Mountain honey. Oro has hints of caramel, black pepper, chocolate, red chili, vanilla, and coffee. Unlike many dark aged rums, Oro never receives molasses caramel or artificial colorings/flavorings.

Montanya Exclusiva, a limited release only available in Colorado is barrel aged for two years in an American White Oak barrel that previously aged Colorado whiskey.   The rum is then transferred for an additional 6 months to a French Oak barrel that previously aged Sutcliffe Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and Port.   This 3 year aged rum is proofed with mountain spring water from a well under the distillery.

Alternative energy isn’t just piece of New York’s Sundog Ciders’ story—it’s more or less the company’s reason for being. In 2004, when Sundog Solar in the Hudson River Valley (127 miles north of New York City) began installing panels for homes and businesses, many of its customers were the family-owned apple orchards that dot the valley. In 2014, Sundog owner Jody Rael decided to pursue his long-time interest by setting up a cidery in the solar company facility. Since the building had been converted from a paper mill and had already updated with solar panels for electricity, solar setups for hot water and air conditioning, and a heating system that runs on used vegetable oil, Sundog didn’t need to worry about energy efficiency.

If you’re intrigued by our feature, “Off the Grid: Alternative energy systems give small producers a unique story to tell,” you should seek out these offerings...