State 38 Distilling operates out of a 7,000-square-foot facility in Golden, Colorado, where founders Matt Janaros and Cory Hinkel turned their home distilling hobby into a commercial operation in 2015. The distillery takes its name from Colorado being the 38th state to join the union, and they’ve built their reputation around producing whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum using a combination of traditional methods and modern equipment. Their facility houses multiple copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room. Janaros and Hinkel started as homebrewers before transitioning into distilling, spending years perfecting their recipes before going commercial. They focus on small-batch production, with an emphasis on using quality ingredients and precise distillation techniques. The team has grown to include additional distillers and tasting room staff who share the founders’ passion for craft spirits and educating visitors about the distillation process. The distillery offers a straightforward visitor experience centered around tastings and tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at their production process. You’ll taste their core lineup while learning about their approach to distilling different spirit categories. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than flashy, with knowledgeable staff who can walk you through the nuances of their different products and production methods.