10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits sits in Gypsum, Colorado, about 30 minutes west of Vail, founded by Christian Avignon and Ryan Thompson in 2016. The name honors the legendary 10th Mountain Division that trained at nearby Camp Hale during World War II, and you’ll find military memorabilia throughout their 6,000-square-foot facility on Trail Gulch Road. They focus on bourbon, rye, and vodka production using a combination of traditional methods and modern equipment. Avignon, who has a background in finance and outdoor recreation, partnered with Thompson to create something that reflected Colorado’s mountain heritage and military history. They spent nearly two years navigating regulations and perfecting their recipes before opening to the public. The operation runs with a small but dedicated team that handles everything from grain-to-glass production to leading visitor experiences. The distillery offers a genuine behind-the-scenes look at their production process, from milling grains to barrel aging. You’ll taste spirits right where they’re made, often with one of the founders explaining their approach. The space feels more like a working distillery that happens to welcome visitors than a tourist destination that happens to make spirits.