Red River Brewery & Distillery has been named the “Best Distillery” in KRQE’s “Best of the Land of Enchantment” awards, a prestigious recognition voted on by residents across New Mexico. The award is a testament to the brand’s continued success and dedication to crafting high-quality spirits.
Owners Michael and Sharon Calhoun were honored to be recognized for the award at the annual Hospitality Industry Awards dinner on Monday, September 29, in Albuquerque. The event was a grand celebration of New Mexico’s best in hospitality, food, and beverages, bringing together more than 500 people to recognize the state’s top performers.
The Art and Science of High-Altitude Distillation
At Red River Brewery & Distillery, the creation of fine spirits is both a science and an art. The key to their unique flavor profiles lies in their location. At 8,750 feet, the distillery is one of the highest elevation distilleries in the world. This altitude significantly impacts the distillation process because liquids boil at lower temperatures.
“In Red River, alcohol boils at about 158 degrees Fahrenheit,” explains owner Michael Calhoun. This simple fact means that during distillation, the fermented liquid is heated at significantly lower temperatures, avoiding the harsh “cooked-in” flavors that emerge at higher temperatures and can overpower the spirit’s delicate nuances. The result is a smooth, clean, and unique taste that simply can’t be replicated by other distilleries.
The next time you raise a glass of a Red River Distillery spirit, remember that the high altitude is not just about the great views; it plays a large part in unlocking flavors that defy convention. Red River’s wide range of craft spirits are available at over 400 retail locations throughout New Mexico and Texas.