Good Times: Breckenridge Distillery introduces Mountain Shot Whiskey

Surrounded by the glistening snow-capped peaks of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge Distillery is the highest distillery in the world.

This year, its award-winning family of whiskey, gin and vodka has gained a new member with the launch of the mushroom-infused Mountain Shot, which hearkens to the lore of the region’s lush forests and ski culture.

Though known for its high-rye mash American-style whiskey blends and as a ten times “Best American Blended” winner at the World Whiskies Awards, Breckenridge fashions itself as an industry disruptor that doesn’t shy away from letting its hair down.

“We are not a shot company, we are high end, and we produce products with elegant flavors,” says Bryan Nolt, Breckenridge Distillery Founder.

“So why not be disruptive?” Enter Mountain Shot, infused with maitake mushrooms (commonly referred to as Hen of the Woods), channeling nature and good times.

The backstory marries Breckenridge’s cheeky humor with the sense of mountain hospitality. As legend has it, a mountain gnome acting as the guardian of the forest welcomed a group of weary travelers into his home and served them an enchanted elixir. The room transformed in the spirit of celebration and the visitors came to realize the value of the connections they made on their journey. They departed transformed by the gnome’s generous welcome.

The spirit of celebration felt by the travelers has long been associated with maitake mushrooms, which in Japan are known as the “dancing mushroom,” since people would dance with joy upon finding them. In addition to bringing joy, maitake mushrooms are rich in minerals and antioxidants and purported to possess a wide range of health benefits.

“The maitake mushroom flavor is extracted from mushrooms soaked in the spirit prior to blending and carefully added for a pleasant earthiness that completes the transition from chocolate to mint in the flavor and enhances the finish,” says Breckenridge Distillery Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt.

Additions of all-natural mint and milk chocolate flavors balance the palate in the final product, bringing a satisfyingly distinctive mouthfeel.

Mountain Shot is available with either a whiskey base at 34.5% ABV or a malt base at 15% ABV in a convenient 100 milliliter pouch. Shoppers can also find the whiskey-based Mountain Shot in a 750ml bottle at liquor stores for purchase. The malt base allows for a much wider distribution including in convenience stores and the pouch gives customers a unique experience. “Think applesauce pouch but for 21+,” says Jessie Unruh, Director of Marketing for Breckenridge Distillery.

“They are meant to be a grab and go beverage, and that is exactly what we are giving the customer. A fun way to consume and more places to find it.”

Guests can enjoy Mountain Shot either in a traditional Glencairn style glass for sipping or simply as a delicious shot. As a shot, the chocolate and mint shine through with undertones of mushroom, while savoring in a Glencairn lets the maitake shine through on the nose and palate.

Born of mountain lore and the spirit of apres-ski culture, Mountain Shot offers a warming new option whether you’re hitting the slopes or sharing good times with close friends and family.

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