Golden Moon Distillery distillery

Introduction to Golden Moon Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Golden Moon Distillery is an award-winning American craft distillery nestled in the historic mining town of Golden, Colorado. Founded on principles of traditional distillation techniques and authentic recipes, Golden Moon has established itself as a producer of exceptional spirits that honor both historical methods and innovative approaches. Their dedication to quality and authenticity has earned them recognition in the competitive world of craft spirits.

The distillery operates with a distinctive philosophy that combines historical research with modern craftsmanship, creating spirits that tell a story with every sip. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Golden Moon benefits from pristine water sources and the unique climate of Colorado’s Front Range.

Why we have a soft spot for Golden Moon Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that bring something truly special to the table, and Golden Moon Distillery delivers this in abundance. What sets Golden Moon apart is their meticulous research into historical recipes and production methods, combined with their use of rare herbs, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Their commitment to traditional production techniques, including the use of open-flame direct-fired copper pot stills, creates spirits with distinctive character and depth that many modern producers simply cannot match. The result is a portfolio of spirits that are both historically authentic and creatively distinctive.

The History Behind Golden Moon Distillery

Origin and Development

Golden Moon Distillery was founded in 2008 by Stephen Gould and Karen Knight in Golden, Colorado. The distillery began with a vision to create spirits using pre-Prohibition recipes and techniques that had been largely forgotten by the modern distilling industry. What started as a small operation has grown into an internationally recognized distillery with a reputation for exceptional quality and historical authenticity.

The distillery takes its name from the historic Golden Moon Saloon that once operated in the mining town of Victor, Colorado during the gold rush era. This connection to Colorado’s rich history is evident in both their branding and their approach to spirit production.

The People Behind

Master Distiller Stephen Gould is the driving force behind Golden Moon Distillery. With decades of experience in the beverage industry and an encyclopedic knowledge of historical spirits, Gould has built his reputation as a passionate researcher and revivalist of lost or forgotten distilling techniques.

Gould’s personal library of rare and antique distilling books – some dating back to the 1500s – serves as the foundation for many of Golden Moon’s recipes. His expertise has been recognized internationally, including being named a Judge Emeritus at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Production at Golden Moon Distillery combines time-honored methods with carefully selected ingredients. They utilize traditional copper pot stills, including rare alembic stills, operated with direct fire heating – a technique largely abandoned by modern distilleries but essential to developing the complex flavor profiles that define their spirits.

The distillery sources rare herbs, spices, and botanicals from around the world, often working directly with farmers and foragers to obtain ingredients of the highest quality. Many of their botanicals are even hand-processed at the distillery to ensure optimal flavor extraction.

Maturation and Storage

For their aged spirits like whiskey and apple jack, Golden Moon employs various barrel types and aging techniques. Their whiskey program includes unique approaches to maturation, often utilizing smaller barrels that allow for more interaction between the spirit and wood, developing complex flavors in less time than traditional methods.

The Colorado climate, with its significant temperature variations and dry air, creates a distinctive aging environment that imparts unique characteristics to their spirits. This terroir-driven approach ensures that Golden Moon’s aged products have a sense of place that is unmistakably Colorado.

Selected Products from Golden Moon Distillery

Golden Moon Gin – An Introduction to the House Style

Golden Moon Gin is crafted using a recipe inspired by late 19th-century techniques, featuring wild mountain juniper and other botanicals like mint, lavender, and citrus. The result is a remarkably smooth gin with vibrant aromatics and a balanced profile that works beautifully in classic cocktails while being complex enough to sip neat.

This flagship product exemplifies the distillery’s philosophy of reviving historical methods while creating spirits that appeal to contemporary palates. With notes of fresh herbs, floral elements, and a gentle spice finish, it serves as an excellent introduction to Golden Moon’s distinctive approach.

REDUX Absinthe – An Experience for Connoisseurs

Golden Moon REDUX Absinthe is a meticulous recreation of pre-ban absinthe, based on recipes dating back to the Belle Époque era. Crafted with grand wormwood, anise, fennel, and a proprietary blend of herbs and spices, this absinthe offers a complex, layered experience that serious spirits enthusiasts will appreciate.

The traditional louche (clouding effect when water is added) reveals an intricate bouquet of herbal notes with hints of anise, fennel, and subtle mint. With its attention to historical authenticity and remarkable complexity, REDUX represents the pinnacle of Golden Moon’s traditional approach to spirit production.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Golden Moon Distillery offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at their production process, from raw ingredients to bottling. Visitors can observe the traditional copper pot stills in action and learn about the historical techniques that make their spirits unique.

The tasting experience typically includes samples of 4-6 of their distinctive spirits, guided by knowledgeable staff who explain the history and production methods behind each one. For those looking to extend their experience, the distillery also operates the Golden Moon Speakeasy in downtown Golden, serving innovative cocktails featuring their spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Golden Moon Distillery?

Golden Moon Distillery is a craft distillery in Golden, Colorado, specializing in small-batch spirits created using traditional methods and historically-inspired recipes. They produce a diverse range of spirits including gin, whiskey, absinthe, and liqueurs, all made with an emphasis on quality ingredients and authentic production techniques.

Where is Golden Moon Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Golden, Colorado, a historic mining town at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, just west of Denver. This location provides access to pristine Rocky Mountain water and the unique climate conditions that influence their aging process.

What characterizes Golden Moon Distillery?

Golden Moon Distillery is characterized by their revival of pre-Prohibition recipes and traditional distilling techniques, including the use of direct-fired copper pot stills. They’re known for meticulous historical research, use of rare botanicals, and creating spirits that balance historical authenticity with modern appeal.

Where can I buy spirits from Golden Moon Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Golden Moon Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their best offerings, including both their core range and limited editions, ensuring you have access to these exceptional craft spirits that honor traditional distillation methods.