Pear | Honey | Caramel | Baking spices

Honey | Vanilla syrup | Ripe pear | Caramel | Astringent oak | Thin

Baking spices | Toasted marshmallow | Honey | Short

Breckenridge Distillery is located 9,600 feet above sea level in Breckenridge, Colorado. A charming ski town, the distillery distills and sources from other distilleries to make its products. Breckenridge Bourbon has remained packaged in a similar-looking bottle over the years, with its stark screen-printed label. However, the labeling has changed since we last reviewed it, now stating “a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys.”

Breckenridge Bourbon is sub-90 proof and clearly aimed at a non-enthusiast consumer. It’s sweet, mellow, and easy to sip. Pear, honey, caramel, baking spices, vanilla syrup, and toasted marshmallow all mingle in at various points in the sip. Unfortunately, an astringent oak note at the midpoint drags it down a bit, but not so much that it ruins the experience. Even its young age, which is stated to be at least 3 years, doesn’t come through specifically, as it doesn’t taste underaged, per se. Instead, the lackluster richness of flavor and thin mouthfeel, combined with a short finish, make Breckenridge Bourbon a flat drinking experience.

Breckenridge Bourbon is really for the consumer who feels connected with the brand, Breckenridge, or maybe even the Denver Broncos (it’s the official bourbon of the team). On my last visit to Breckenridge, I had it in an Old Fashioned made with their bourbon, and it was perfectly fine, showing this bourbon might be better suited for cocktails. For those with deeper experience with a range of bourbons and proof, or who are looking for a basic budget pour, Breckenridge Bourbon unfortunately falls short.