University of Colorado Athletics Gets Its Own Bourbon Thanks to Local Distillery

(Photo: Laws Whiskey House)

On Tuesday, the University of Colorado Athletics once again joined forces with Laws Whiskey House to launch a limited-edition bottling. While their previous collaboration was designed as an easy-going cocktail mixer, their latest splash is described as a bonafide, high-proof bourbon made with spirits nerds in mind.

Black and Gold Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises five barrels chosen by CU Athletics Director Rick George alongside the Laws team.  The blend of spirits aged four to nine years is said to boast aromas of cherry wood, vanilla bean and golden raisin with a palate of sweet honey, orange spice tea, almond butter and lingering spice.

A portion of proceeds from the 55%-ABV, $129.99 bottling will be donated to the 5430 Alliance. The organization supports players across all of CU’s 11 collegiate sports, which include football, soccer, golf and lacrosse.

“It was such a pleasure to be a part of the selection process for the Black and Gold Select and I’m confident whiskey lovers will be thrilled with the result,” Colorado Athletic Director Rick George added. “CU fans will be able to enjoy a great whiskey while directly supporting our hard-working student-athletes.”

Laws signed on as the official whiskey of CU Athletics over the summer. The collaboration was intended as a local affair paying homage to the city of Denver; the Colorado Buffalos stadium is a mere 40-minute drive from the Laws distillery nestled in the heart of downtown.

The whiskey house was founded in 2011 by self-described “corporate refugee” Alan Laws. The distillery takes a purpose-driven, grain-to-bottle approach that’s churned out some stellar products over the years. If we had to choose, our personal favorite would have to be its Four Grain 8-Year Bonded Bourbon. Made from an unconventional blend of corn, heirloom wheat, heirloom rye and heirloom malted barley, the expression floated across the palate with great notes of flaky pastry and butterscotch. The bottling holds an impressive Raided Score® of 89.

“The first whiskey we created in partnership with CU Athletics, Ralphie’s Reserve, was about introducing Laws to Buffs fans with a sweeter, more approachable whiskey that’s great in cocktails,” Laws remarked in a news release. “Our new Black and Gold release takes it a step further—a limited-edition, 5-barrel blend designed for the discerning whiskey enthusiast.”