The Best Bourbon in Colorado Springs
If you’re serious about bourbon, Colorado Springs has quietly become one of the better places to find it along the Front Range. Between the military community, the university crowd, and a growing population of spirit enthusiasts who have moved here for the outdoor lifestyle, the demand for quality bourbon has pushed local shops to step up their game. And if you know where to look, you can find bottles here that rival what you’d find in Denver — sometimes at better prices.
At 3 Thirsty Goats Wine & Liquor on Austin Bluffs Pkwy, bourbon is a serious category. The shelves carry everything from everyday sippers to allocated releases that most Colorado Springs liquor stores don’t even stock. Whether you’re new to bourbon or you’ve been chasing dusties for years, it’s worth making this your home base.
What Makes a Great Bourbon
Bourbon is America’s native spirit — by law it has to be made in the US, distilled from a grain mash that’s at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Beyond those basics, what separates a good bourbon from a great one comes down to the mash bill, the yeast strain, the distillery’s rickhouse conditions, and how long it was aged.
High-rye bourbons like Four Roses Single Barrel or Bulleit tend to be spicier and drier. Wheated bourbons like Weller or Larceny are softer and sweeter — these are the ones that tend to get allocated and hard to find. High-corn mash bills like Maker’s Mark hit a middle ground that makes them crowd-pleasing and consistent.
When you’re shopping at a liquor store in Colorado Springs, it helps to know which style you prefer before you walk in. The staff at 3 Thirsty Goats can usually point you in the right direction if you tell them what you’ve liked before.
Top Bourbon Picks Worth Trying Right Now
Here are some bottles that consistently show up on enthusiast radar and that a good Colorado Springs liquor store should be able to source:
Everyday Sippers ($25–$45)
Buffalo Trace is the benchmark — smooth, balanced, and priced fairly. Four Roses Yellow Label is another reliable choice with a light, approachable profile. Wild Turkey 101 offers more proof and complexity for the price than most people expect.
Mid-Range Bottles ($45–$80)
Knob Creek Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are all worth reaching for in this tier. If you can find Larceny Barrel Proof on the shelf, grab it — it punches well above its price.
Allocated and Premium ($80+)
This is where it gets competitive. Blanton’s, Weller 12, Eagle Rare 17, and anything from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection move fast. Checking with your local premium liquor store Colorado Springs regularly — or asking to be notified when bottles come in — is the best strategy here.
Why Colorado Springs Bourbon Lovers Keep Coming Back to 3 Thirsty Goats
The honest answer is selection and service. Most big-box liquor stores in the area carry the same 15 bourbons you can find anywhere. 3 Thirsty Goats stocks a broader range, rotates in new releases, and the staff actually drinks this stuff — so when you ask what’s drinking well right now