Durango Craft Spirits sits on Main Avenue in downtown Durango, bringing small-batch distilling to Colorado’s southwest corner. Founded by Dave and Jill Thibodeau, who opened their doors in 2014 after Dave’s career in the tech industry led him to pursue his passion for craft spirits. The couple converted a historic downtown building into their distillery and tasting room, installing a custom copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works. They focus on whiskey, vodka, and gin, with their bourbon and rye whiskeys gaining recognition across Colorado’s craft spirits scene. The Thibodeaus didn’t just jump into distilling blindly—Dave spent years learning the craft and studying under experienced distillers before committing to the venture. Their approach centers on using high-quality grains and traditional distilling methods, with most of their spirits aged in charred oak barrels on-site. The operation remains genuinely small-scale, allowing them to control every aspect of production from mashing to bottling. Jill handles much of the business side while Dave focuses on production, creating a true husband-and-wife operation that reflects in the personal attention given to each batch. Visitors find themselves in an intimate setting where you can see the entire operation from the tasting room. The space captures that authentic craft distillery feel—you’re not touring a massive industrial facility, but rather getting an up-close look at how small-batch spirits actually get made. The Thibodeaus often run tastings themselves, sharing stories about their journey into distilling and the challenges of building a spirits business in a town better known for outdoor recreation than bourbon production.