EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we head to Loveland, Colorado, to explore Root Shoot Malting—a fifth-generation family farm transforming Colorado-grown grains into award-winning spirits.

Join us as we sit down with Todd and Emily Olander, the husband-wife duo behind Root Shoot, to hear how they built one of the most innovative craft malting operations in the state. From preserving family legacy and terroir to brewing partnerships and whiskey tasting notes, it’s a grain-to-glass story you won’t want to miss.

On This Episode

1️⃣ What it means to be a "grain-to-glass" malting company in Colorado

2️⃣ How Root Shoot transitioned from commodity grains to specialty heritage grains

3️⃣ A behind-the-scenes look at their malting floor and facility

4️⃣ The story behind their new Bonded American Single Malt whiskey

5️⃣ How Root Shoot supports veterans and conservation projects through community brewing

👍 Like what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and drop us a comment!Which local farm-to-glass whiskey do you love most?

📍Visit Root Shoot in Loveland, CO or find them on the map at rootshootspirits.com

This Episode’s Tasting

🥃 Root Shoot Spirits – Batch Two American Single Malt (Bonded)

Additional Viewing

▶️ Watch the full tour on YouTube

🍀 What if the future of Irish whiskey was being made in Colorado? 🥃

In this episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we sit down with Patrick and Meagan Miller, the founders of Talnua Distillery, to explore how they’re pioneering Single Pot Still Whiskey—with a distinctly American twist.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

1️⃣ How a honeymoon in Ireland sparked America’s first Single Pot Still Distillery.

2️⃣ The difference between Irish Single Pot Still & American Single Malt Whiskey—and why Talnua is setting a new standard.

3️⃣ How Talnua Distillery blends Old World Irish whiskey traditions with New World American innovation to create a unique Single Pot Still style.

4️⃣ How Colorado’s climate, grain, and water influence their whiskey’s flavor.

5️⃣ The Acorn Project—Talnua’s commitment to high-impact philanthropic endeavors including natural resources and local farming.

6️⃣ How Talnua self-regulates according to the Irish Whiskey File, staying true to traditional pot still whiskey methods while innovating for American whiskey drinkers.

🥃 This Episode’s Tasting

✅ Talnua Distillery Heritage Selection

✅ Talnua Distillery 2025 Old Saints’ Keep

👍 Love whiskey? Subscribe, rate, and comment: What’s your go-to Single Pot Still pour?

📍 Visit Talnua Distillery in Arvada, CO to experience their award-winning whiskey firsthand!

#WhiskeyWanderlust #TalnuaDistillery #AmericanSinglePotStill #ColoradoWhiskey #IrishWhiskey

📍 In this Bootleg Episode of Whiskey Wanderlust, we sit down with Al Laws, the founder of Laws Whiskey House, for an unexpected, no-holds-barred conversation about the creation of their new tasting room—the Whiskey Sanctuary. 🥃

What started as a quick chat turned into a 40-minute deep dive into the vision, challenges, and whiskey philosophy that makes Laws one of Colorado’s most respected distilleries.

On This Episode:

🔹 How five years of permitting and two years of construction turned into one of Denver’s most impressive whiskey destinations.

🔹 The custom 250-pound staircase that caused months of delays (and why it was worth it).

🔹 The CU Athletics whiskey collaborations—including Ralphie’s Reserve and Black & Gold Bourbon.

🔹 The "No Shortcuts" philosophy—why Laws refuses to rush aging or source whiskey.

🔹 The evolution of Laws' whiskey blending process, from Cognac finishes to their custom French blending tank.