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Red Rocks Cut Cask
An Accidental lesson on Sustainability.
When you pour a glass of Red Rocks Cut Cask, it’s easy to focus on its rich flavor or smooth finish. But at Red Rocks Spirits, we discovered there’s more to the story. How we craft Red Rocks Cut Cask ensures we’re preserving our planet for future generations of whiskey lovers.
The Journey to the Perfect Blend
Creating Red Rocks Cut Cask wasn’t just about making a great-tasting spirit—it was about getting it right. We tested hundreds of blends, tweaking and refining until we discovered the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and character.
During this process, we uncovered something unexpected: the majority of the blend that met our high standards was crafted using sustainably aged whiskey. Intrigued, we dove deeper into the methods behind it and learned about the urgent need for change in the whiskey industry.
Sustainable aging didn’t just make environmental sense—it aligned with everything we value as whiskey makers and as people. The fact that it tasted incredible was the icing on the cake. From that moment on, our mission became clear: to create a whiskey that’s as responsible as it is delicious.
Why Sustainability in Whiskey Matters
Whiskey production has deep roots in tradition, but it also has a significant environmental footprint. From sourcing grains to barrel aging, every step in the process consumes natural resources. Traditional barrel aging, for instance, requires extensive use of oak—a practice that contributes to deforestation if not managed responsibly. One entire tree only makes 1-3 barrels. Legally, for a bourbon, each barrel can only be used once, even though the lifespan of a barrel is close to 60 years.
That’s where sustainability steps in. By rethinking production methods and embracing eco-friendly practices, producers can reduce their environmental impact while still delivering exceptional whiskey, like Red Rocks Cut Cask.
Sustainable Aging Methods: A Better Way Forward
At Red Rocks Spirits, we’ve embraced innovative techniques that replicate the effects of traditional aging while minimizing waste and conserving resources. By using alternative aging methods, we can produce whiskey that’s rich in flavor and complexity while significantly reducing our reliance on traditional barrels.
The Labeling Challenge: Laws Lag Behind Innovation
As the whiskey industry evolves, one major challenge stands out: outdated labeling laws. Current regulations primarily focus on traditional production methods, leaving little room for creative approaches like sustainable aging. But, we've always had a bit of a rebellious streak.
For example, a whiskey aged using alternative methods might not legally qualify as “straight whiskey” or even “bourbon,” even if its flavor profile rivals those categories. These restrictions create confusion for consumers and stifle innovation in an industry that thrives on creativity.
At Red Rocks Spirits, we’re proud to push boundaries and advocate for clearer, more inclusive labeling standards that recognize and celebrate innovation. Transparency is key, and we believe whiskey lovers deserve to know the story behind their bottle. When you see "Whiskey with Natural Flavor" on your bottle of Red Rocks Cut Cask (We were required to put that on our label because it didn't fit the category correctly.), know that the flavor is 100% natural oak wood. The same thing a barrel is made of.
The Honest Truth
At Red Rocks Spirits, we didn't set out to be a sustainable company. In fact, we didn't realize how big of a problem whiskey production was for the environment until we ventured into whiskey ourselves. Do we strive for sustainability in all we do? Yes. Does it always work out that way? No. We will always choose the sustainable option whenever possible, but our goal is, and always will be, to provide the highest quality spirits at an affordable cost. While we're not perfect, we'll always deliver our best to you! Get the best delivered to you by shopping our spirits collection online!
