Root Shoot Whiskey awarded best American single malt

A Colorado distillery has made waves in the global spirits scene by winning the title of best American-made single malt at the prestigious London Spirits Competition. Root Shoot Spirits, based in Loveland, impressed judges with their flagship product, Root Shoot Whiskey, a four-year aged American single malt made from barley grown exclusively on Colorado’s Front Range.

The recent accolade is particularly significant as American single malt whiskey was only recently recognized as an official spirits designation in the U.S. This new classification allows local distillers like Root Shoot Spirits to compete with established whiskey powerhouses like Scotland and Japan on a global scale.

Root Shoot Spirits, a sister company to Root Shoot Malting owned by 5th generation farmer Todd Olander, is known for growing and processing barley for brewers and distillers in Colorado. Their debut whiskey has not only showcased the quality of their grains but also their commitment to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.

At the London Spirits Competition, Root Shoot Whiskey scored an impressive 98 points out of 100, highlighting its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Todd Olander emphasized that the recognition for their whiskey is a testament to the hard work and dedication put into cultivating the raw materials.

This recognition marks the second consecutive year that a Colorado whiskey has been named the best American-made single malt at the London competition. In 2024, Colorado Honey from Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons took home the prestigious title.