This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Black Canyon Distillery in Mead recently closed its doors, after eight years in the distilling business. Couple Fred and Susan Lesnick, owners of Black Canyon Distillery, have decided that it is time to retire.
After eight years of distilling spirits, Black Canyon was left with several barrels of bourbon with nowhere to go. The couple approached several local distilleries and Longtucky Spirits in Longmont decided to buy all Black Canyon's bourbon barrels.
Longtucky has finalized the purchase and moved all the barrels into their warehouse. The bourbon, formally known as Old Blue will be renamed The Last Waltz as it makes its way to Longtucky's shelves.
"We’re really excited to have a bunch of whiskey here at Longtucky. It’s not distilled here but we are going to be really straightforward with what it is. It is made by Black Canyon here in Longmont and we’re doing it to kinda celebrate their distillery and what their career had to offer," says John Young, co-founder of Longtucky Spirits.
"It’s going to be somewhat of a collaboration, mostly and an ode to Black Canyon, a farewell salute or a proper send-off for them. Just wanted to carry the torch on and continue to share their product with the world."
The ages of the barrels range from six months to four years old.
"There are definitely some barrels that need more time and we are not in any rush. We are calling it the Last Waltz but it might be a few stanzas or a few turns around the floor, and we are alright with that. Our most important thing is to ensure that we are producing, whether we are distilling or producing, like with this product, the highest quality product that we can. So we’ll wait."
In time for Christmas, Longtucky has selected four of their favorite barrels to bottle. These are expected to be sold at $45 and will display a unique label.
"It will be a co-branded product. We will still have the Black Canyon logo on there with ours as well. It will not fall under the traditional Longtucky lineup, this will be a one-off product called The Last Waltz," says Young.
Young admits that he is still getting to know this bourbon, however, he describes it as having, "some great unique oak flavors. There are all the traditional corn and rye malt profiles that you want, that sweet American flavor, but it definitely has the unique Colorado barrel finish to it."
The release party for The Last Waltz is scheduled for Dec. 20. Patrons will have an opportunity to taste The Last Waltz as well as help Longtucky pay a farewell tribute to a distillery who has helped pave the way for others in Colorado.
