Leopold Bros Distillery
November 12, 2015
Those of you who read NPS regularly know that in our studied opinion, Leopold Bros makes the best gin in the world (the small batch gin). We always have some on hand at the home bar. Part of the secret behind the gin is separate distillation of the aromatics which are then combined with the base alcohol. It’s magical stuff which has come to be known as the Leopold process.
So we already loved Leopold’s by default, but then we visited. Now we can’t say enough good things about the distillery, its products, and most importantly its people. Wow, what an operation!
Leopold Bros Distillery
We were given a tour by Alec Ropes, one of the seven Leopold Brothers employees. Yes, they work hard and they work passionately at Leopold’s! Alec was just great, spending three hours with us in intense conversation. We were geeking out on alcohol production, and boy was it fun.
The genius behind Leopold Bros distilling-wise is Todd Leopold, one of the two brothers. Todd is a practicing intellectual with a master craftsman sensibility backed by many years of experience and vast quantities of absorbed knowledge. We were incredibly pleased to get to spend a few minutes chatting with Todd even while a vodka run was heading into the tails.
Todd Leopold and his new old still
Todd and his brother Scott have built a distilling factory that is not only ultra-modern, it’s also environmentally sustainable. For example, a closed loop water system keeps water lossage (a huge deal for most alcohol production) way down. Natural light suffuses the floor, and a ceiling fan keeps the yeast aromas circulating with fresh air from the garden outside.
There are three types of still on line at Leopolds now.
German stills
Alembic stills
The new three layer still
Todd explained the new still’s operation to us. The four chambers all have different jobs to do during a twenty minute run, and the mash moves its way down the column between runs. The resulting process suffuces the water with as much flavor as the alcohol. (Looks like the new still goes along with the malting floor, the malt kiln, and the sherry barrels in the rickhouse. Hmm, what could they be up to?)
Tower still for vodka production
Special steam punk magic thingy
We paused for some pictures with Todd. What a great guy! Knowledgeable, funny, smart as a whip, and kind. Todd had some hilarious stories about the Denver health department people, physical phase transitions, and alcohol as a decontamination solution.
Antti flew in from Helsinki
Of course all distilling starts with beer (which is how Leopolds got its start in Ann Arbor years ago). Several different mashes are in use now at the distillery. I was surprised how viscous the rye mash is. Slippery goopy.
Open mash tanks made of cypress and pine
Eventually, alcohol is blended (Leopold Bros makes 22 products currently with some awesome new ones coming on line any month now) and put into barrels. There is lots of “three char” white American oak in the house.
Floor rick
Rickhouse with 2 or 3 barrel ricks
Alec with the product line
Of course we had to do some sampling. I already own 7 Leopold Bros products in my supply and was happy to add two more: Cherry Liqueur (to sub in for Heering) and a Digestif called something crazy due to American labeling laws. The Digestif is in the Benedictine/Chartruese range.
A mysterious new building at Leopold Bros
Anyway, thanks to Todd and Alec taking time out of their busy jobs to show around a couple of newby geeks. We loved it!
Absolutely stellar time with alec @leopoldbros. Incredible passion. pic.twitter.com/UKpnDulD7l
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 12, 2015
By the time we took off for dinner, the sun had set
When we arrived at the fantastic Colt and Grey for dinner, the first thing we did was call for some Leopold Bros cocktails.
Still glowing from @LeopoldBros! Now a corpse reviver #2 @ColtandGray with the best gin ever. pic.twitter.com/t7VilUSAc8
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 12, 2015
Negroni with double @LeopoldBros product. Real dactylopis coccus. pic.twitter.com/bvYoWw9HTk
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 12, 2015
Here’s to passion, science, craftsmanship, and kindness. Leopold Bros you have my loyalty all sown up for this lifetime!
Make yourself a cocktail with Leopold’s Gin today:
Blue Moon
Corpse Reviver #2
The Broadmoor: High Expectations Met
November 9, 2015
The Broadmoor is a resort tucked away at the foot of the Rockies close to Colorado Springs. Now that the annual conference we run is getting bigger, we’re moving up the food chain in terms of size. We were also looking for somewhere close to Denver to host this time, mostly as a respite from both coasts. The Broadmoor is a great choice.
The Rockies
Checkin was beyond smooth, no doubt helped along by the fact that the advance troops have been here for a couple of days. We are staying in Broadmoor West, which was recently-renovated. The property is, in fact, a very nice blend of old school luxury and modern amenity. Very tasteful.
I am in a huge suite (4500) called the Chayenne Mountain North. It is suitable for entertaining 50-75 late night people—which is what is going to happen again and again this week.
Lets tour the living room first.
Entrance hallway has a remarkable floor
Living area: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
Fireplace and bar corner: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
Dining: : Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
Balcony: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
About the only fly in the ointment for this room (a spec of a fruit fly) is the parking lot which sullies the view of Cheyenne Mountain. We are, however, in the United States.
Mountains (and cars): Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
And the sleeping room…
Bedroom: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
Fireplace too: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
The master bathroom is great, including the all important shower. There is a guest bathroom as well for the entertaining part.
Bathroom: Suite 4500, The Broadmoor
The shower has a bench, always a good sign
Little hallway also with a very nice floor
While working out last minute minor details (like presentations) this afternoon, an amenity arrived with a personal note. Classy.
Thanks for the beautiful amenity @TheBroadmoor
So far you guys are exceeding expectations. pic.twitter.com/O0tHa08dpf
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 9, 2015
One of the drawbacks of entertaining at a resort or hotel is the limited bar capability. There is really nothing to be done about this other than enhance. So we enhanced. But the lack of fresh citrus and a juicer persists. That and no bitters. And no amaro. And no lillet. There’s no place like home.
Liquor quiz. Which half was procured by hotel and which half not? pic.twitter.com/eUt8Tj2Xsx
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 9, 2015
We plussed things up with some excellent local products, including Stranahans and Leopold’s gin. (See stranahan’s tour here.)
On Wednesday after the conference, we’ve set up a private tour of Leopold’s, about which more later! Can’t wait for that.
All told, five showerheads and a gold star for the Broadmoor (which incidentally dogs the heck out of Garden of the Gods). Excellence in action. Lets see how their conference facilities are tomorrow.
The Broadmoor West overlooking Cheyenne mountain
A side trip to Devner included an unbelievable visit to Leopold Brothers’ distillery (amazing people and fantastic product), Colt and Grey for a very nice dinner (upscale yet relaxed and very very good), and drinks at Williams and Graham (not the best visit).
Sunset at the Broadmoor
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