A.D. Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey, Colorado

At 7,500 feet above sea level in Colorado's San Luis Valley, a rare strain of semi-wild heirloom rye has been quietly thriving since the 1930s. The 2025 A.D. Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey is the purest expression of that remarkable grain—a whiskey shaped as much by place as by process. Distilled from 100% heirloom rye and aged for more than four years, this terroir-driven spirit showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado through layers of spice, fruit, earth, and unmistakable character.

Product Details:

• Mash Bill: 100% Heirloom Rye
• Alcohol Content: 47.5% ABV
• Grain Source: Cody Family Farm, San Luis Valley, Colorado
• Growing Elevation: Approximately 7,500 feet above sea level
• Grain Variety: Low-yield, semi-wild heirloom rye cultivated since the 1930s
• Aging: Minimum 4 years
• Barrel Type: New 53-gallon charred American oak barrels
• Production Method: Sour mash fermentation
• Distillation: Distilled entirely in-house by Laws Whiskey House
• Philosophy: Grain-forward, terroir-driven whiskey crafted from heirloom and heritage grains

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with elegant floral aromas layered with baking spices and vibrant orange oil. On the palate, rich flavors of black tea, sweet mint, salted toffee, orange peel, and stewed fig unfold in waves, revealing both depth and complexity. Additional nuances of cacao, toasted rye, barrel char, and subtle funk add intrigue and dimension. The finish is long and expressive, highlighted by radiant green peppercorn spice, clove, dried apricot, and lingering notes of rye bread and orchard fruit. Bold yet refined, it is a whiskey that continually evolves in the glass.

Awards & Accolades:

• Grand Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023)
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023)
• Gold – ASCOT Awards (2023)
• Great Value Award – Ultimate Beverage Challenge (2023)
• Grand Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2022)
• Grand Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)
• Silver Medal – New York International Spirits Competition (2021)

Distiller's Background:

Founded in Denver, Laws Whiskey House has become one of America's leading voices in terroir-driven whiskey. Rather than relying on commodity grains, the distillery partners with two Colorado family farms that cultivate heirloom and heritage varieties specifically for Laws. The Cody family in the San Luis Valley grows the rye used in this whiskey, while the Ohnmacht family supplies additional grains from Colorado's eastern plains. Every drop is distilled, aged, and bottled by Laws using time-intensive sour mash fermentations and individualized distillation techniques designed to showcase each grain's unique character. Rather than appointing a single Master Distiller, Laws embraces a collaborative philosophy, believing that the collective passion and expertise of the entire team create great whiskey.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy A.D. Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey neat or with a few drops of water to fully appreciate its layered aromatics and terroir-driven complexity. It also shines over a large ice cube and serves as an exceptional base for classic rye cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or Sazerac. Pair with aged cheeses, smoked meats, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or grilled steaks to highlight the whiskey's spice, fruit, and savory depth.