Leading the Pack: Colorado’s Hoot + Howl Spirits Wins Big in 2026

Hoot + Howl Spirits’ mountain-crafted, historically-inspired spirits recently made a huge impact at two of the industry’s most respected competitions. The Golden-based distillery, which reimagines historical spirits and traditional distilling processes, earned nine awards at the American Distilling Institute (ADI) Spirits Competition, announced today, and six awards at the Denver International Spirits Competition in April. 

At ADI, where medals are awarded solely on the quality of the spirit as evaluated by an expert panel, Hoot + Howl earned a gold medal for Vodka; silver medals for Amaro Cask Bourbon, Black Tea Liqueur, and Gin; and bronze medals for Armagnac Cask Bourbon and Triple Sec.

Hoot + Howl’s unique branding, created in collaboration with Colorado-based beverage and outdoor marketing agency Turn It Up Media, also received recognition at the ADI Spirits Competition, bringing home a Double Gold Medal for Excellence in Packaging for Black Tea Liqueur; an Excellence in Packaging Trophy in the off-the-shelf packaging category; and an Excellence in Packaging Double Gold Medal for the Hoot + Howl brand identity.

At DISC, the Rocky Mountain region's largest professional spirits contest, Hoot + Howl earned gold medals for Amaro Cask Bourbon, Armagnac Cask Bourbon, and Triple Sec, and silver medals for Black Tea Liqueur, Vodka, and Gin.

“We take inspiration from the distillers of the past to make spirits that shine on the modern palate,” said Hoot + Howl Founder Callan Deline.

Hoot + Howl uses time-honored techniques, reviving historical distilling knowledge not often used in modern spirits-making. Historical methods – like double distillation, slow temperature curves, and tranchage – may take longer to perform, but they result in mellow, nuanced, complex spirits that stand apart.

Hoot + Howl’s award-winning lineup includes:

Amaro Cask Bourbon (Silver at ADI / Gold, 92pts at DISC): This spirit was blended from seven-year-old bourbon and finished for one year in a Sicilian amaro cask. It delivers a rich balance of sweet, bitter, and herbal notes.

Armagnac Cask Bourbon (Bronze at ADI / Gold, 91pts at DISC): This spirit is blended from seven-year-old bourbon and finished for one year in an ex-Armagnac cask. It’s rich with layers of fruit, spice and oak. 

Triple Sec (Bronze at ADI / Gold, 91pts at DISC): Double distilled and mellowed through the historical tranchage process, Hoot + Howl’s Triple Sec Liqueur is crafted with bitter orange, lemon, and bergamot peels, offering vibrant citrus flavors with hints of orange blossom, vanilla, and spice. 

Black Tea Liqueur (Silver at ADI / Silver, 87pts at DISC): Double distilled and infused with loose leaf black tea, bergamot peel and rich Demerara sugar, this liqueur also undergoes the historical process of tranchage, capturing the essence of a perfectly brewed sweet tea. 

Vodka (Gold at ADI / Silver, 87pts DISC): Filtered for purity and cut with pristine Colorado water, Hoot + Howl Vodka is clean, smooth, and crisp. Its subtle sweetness and silky finish make it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for any cocktail.

Gin (Silver at ADI / Silver, 86pts at DISC): Inspired by Colorado’s alpine landscape, Hoot + Howl’s double-distilled mountain gin blends native botanicals like spruce tips and white sage with bay laurel, juniper, and other mountainous botanicals. 

NEW: Saint Alpin Herbal Liqueur: Released across Colorado this month, Saint Alpin is Hoot + Howl’s unique take on an alpine herbal liqueur, inspired by the great European traditions of Chartreuse, génépi, and absinthe. Double distilled, naturally colored with hyssop and petite wormwood, and rested for an extended period, Saint Alpin delivers unmatched natural clarity, depth and smoothness.

Bottles of Hoot + Howl’s award-winning, historically-inspired lineup of spirits are available across Colorado at select retailers. Learn more at hootandhowl.co.

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ABOUT HOOT + HOWL 

Hoot + Howl is a Colorado-based distillery that reimagines historical spirits and traditional distilling techniques. A passion project led by Founder Callan Deline and Head Distiller Chris Ritenour, Hoot + Howl’s inventive approach to diverse spirits ranges from Black Tea Liqueur to Colorado-inspired Gin. Hoot + Howl’s wildly good spirits are available across Colorado starting now. Learn more at hootandhowl.co or stop by a retailer in the Front Range to learn more by the glass.