HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 US!
Updated: Oct 29, 2021
Two years ago, 1350 Distilling was born. Now, we were conceived much earlier in 2016 when Phill and Kandis Bragg and Jake and Abbie Weien first started to become friends. Eventually we developed a business plan, began researching, creating concepts, drawing up legal needs and searching for a location to house our "baby".
There were many "field trips" around the state to see and discuss what we liked and didn't like about different businesses. We had no idea what we didn't know.
The above photo was taken January 1, 2018 when we first acquired the keys to our soon-to-be distillery at 520 E Pikes Peak Avenue. All our girls were in Academy District 20 schools. Some weren't quite driving yet. Look at our smiles. We still had no idea what we were getting into.
After a month of soft-open events we were finally ready for our Grand Opening the first weekend in November. We had three products available: Minuteman Vodka, Guardian Bourbon and BlueJacket Rum. We had a Trivia Night to kick-off the weekend followed by several days of festive activities, culminating with the USMC's 244th Birthday Ceremony. Operations were sailing beautifully.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 we hosted the Downtown Colorado Springs Member Mixer event with great excitement to introduce ourselves to our business neighbors. People were beginning to rave about our Taste Lounge and our cocktails. Bars and restaurants were putting us behind their bars. There was a static in the air, not just about us, but also about this Covid-19 thing. We never could have imagined what the next 20 months would hold for us, or for the world. Two days later the world stopped moving.
Fast forward to today. We won't lie to you, it has been a daily and sometimes hourly struggle to keep the wheels of progress turning, but we have worked as a team to persevere. Our employees have been our saving graces. We have an amazing group of people helping us.
(NEW TEAM PHOTO COMING SOON)
Thanks to our dedicated guests who shared their #1350Spirit with their friends and neighbors, bring them in for a tour or to taste our cocktails, send us photos with our bottles in other parts of the world. We especially have to thank the local liquor stores who were willing to take on products from a new distillery that a majority of the population had no idea existed. Because of all of these people and energy, we have survived.
We have released SIX new products since the outbreak. We have won a Gold Medal for our Wingman Gin (that was released just weeks after our first shutdown) and just last week a Silver Medal for our newest release, Old Blood & Guts' Strawberry Flavored Vodka. We have our Bull's Spiced Rum nearly ready to be released soon too.
This upcoming week of November 3-10 marks 1350 Distilling's Two-Year Anniversary! Imagine a toddler stumbling around, just learning words and understanding the world that is spinning around them. That is us... sort of. We are so excited to celebrate our successes in reaching this milestone for any business, let alone for a "Covid Baby".
In celebration we have lined up a list of special events that we hope you will enjoy with us.
3 NOV - CHARCUTERIE MAKING CLASS
6:30pm-8:30pm in our Private Room
“We'll talk about all things pairings, sourcing, and design, AND you'll get to take your own charcuterie box home. This event is perfect for a girls' night or a date night with your significant other. Cost includes workshop instruction and all materials needed. Drinks can be purchased from 1350 Distilling separately.”
Tickets available online here.
4 NOV - YOGA & COCKTAILS
5:30pm-6:30pm in our Private Room
Treat yourself to an hour long yoga class and have a cocktail afterwards. We host this event every week. Get your tickets in advance here.
5 NOV - HARRY POTTER THEMED DONUTS & COCKTAIL PAIRING WITH HAPPY HOUR DONUTS AND BRAIN FREEZE & MORE FOOD TRUCK
4:00pm-8:00pm