An unconventional brandy where intensity and intrigue collide
About NoCo Distillery
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado — at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains — NoCo Distillery operates with a clear philosophy: high proof handled deliberately, never disguised.
The distillery sources pristine alpine water from the Rockies and works exclusively with copper stills, using both pot and column configurations. Fermentations often extend beyond four weeks, allowing deeper flavor development before distillation even begins. Slow distillation, extended runs, and increased copper contact create higher reflux and allow for tighter, more selective cuts. Every spirit is distilled a minimum of three times.
Maturation is treated with equal intent. NoCo ages its spirits in some of the finest American oak casks available, using a wide range of barrel sizes — from small-format casks to full-sized barrels. Staves are seasoned between 12 and 48 months, depending on supplier and application. For finishing, the distillery incorporates additional wood types when appropriate — particularly in rum and agave spirits — placing NoCo among a small group of producers pushing maturation and finishing beyond convention.
The result is a portfolio that balances power, structure, and clarity, even at extreme ABV. Today, NoCo Distillery produces more than 25 distinct spirits, making it one of the most technically versatile craft distilleries in the country.
Socially Responsible by Design
NoCo Distillery prioritizes local collaboration wherever possible. Portions of wash production are outsourced to nearby breweries before fermentation is completed in-house — supporting local business while maintaining quality control. Grains, fruits, and botanicals are sourced from Colorado producers whenever available, reducing transportation impact and strengthening the regional economy.
Sustainability is built into daily operations. The distillery reuses and recycles most production materials, employs heat exchangers to reduce energy consumption, and operates a closed-circuit cooling system during winter months using reclaimed water from its reverse osmosis system. NoCo also offers a bottle return program—providing a credit for each bottle returned — making it one of the only distilleries in Colorado to do so.
When possible, organic and non-GMO raw materials are used and clearly labeled.
Rocky Mountain Water
The Rocky Mountains supply the same clean spring and runoff water credited by Fort Collins brewers for decades. That water—clear, mineral-balanced, and consistent—forms the foundation of every NoCo spirit, contributing texture and balance that remain present even at hazmat-level proof.
Stats
- Age: 8 year
- Proof: 147.8 (73.9% ABV) – possibly the highest released proof brandy per NoCo
- Mashbill: Grape (varietal not disclosed)
- Origin: NoCo Distillery — Fort Collins, CO
- Distillation: 3x on pot still, full malolactic fermentation
- Finish: Port
- Release: Limited release, single barrel, cask strength
- MSRP: Not provided
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Dried blueberries and dark fruit open the aroma, followed by cereal grain notes reminiscent of Special K. A faint rubbery edge sits in the background, hinting at the unconventional nature of the finish.
- Palate: Raspberry and blackberry jam coat the tongue, thick and concentrated, before deepening into plum and sour grape skin. The port influence adds weight and sweetness but also introduces a smoky, slightly industrial undertone.
- Finish: Peppermint flashes alongside intense proof heat on the tip of the tongue. The brandy finishes long and forceful, with moments of brilliance interrupted by echoes of burnt rubber and smoke.
There is real depth and intrigue here, but it comes with tension.
The fruit character is compelling and well-developed, yet the port finish introduces a strange, almost smoky rubber note that divides attention.
It’s not polished — but it is memorable. The proof doesn’t just amplify the experience; it defines it.
Distinctiveness
This brandy’s distinctiveness lies in its tension. The dark berry and jam-driven fruit character is genuine and well-developed, while the port finish introduces a smoky, rubber-adjacent note that is undeniably unconventional.
That contrast won’t appeal to everyone — but it is memorable. Combined with the sheer intensity of the proof, this becomes less a traditional brandy and more an exploration of extremes. Few grape-based spirits operate in this space, and fewer still do so this deliberately.
Transparency
NoCo Distillery is unusually forthcoming for a craft producer operating at this proof level.
Details around fermentation length, distillation passes, barrel selection, and finishing methodology were provided proactively with the samples. Follow-up questions — such as mashbill specifics or time spent in finishing casks — were answered promptly when requested.
Nothing about these releases feels obscured or selectively framed. Processes are disclosed because they matter, not because they’re convenient. That level of openness builds trust, especially in a space where high proof can sometimes mask shortcuts.
This is a distillery with nothing to hide — and no reason to.
Authors Note: Presentation was omitted due to samples only provided. Value was omitted due to no MSRP being provided or available online.
Buy if:
- You like unconventional, challenging spirits
- Dark fruit and intense proof intrigue you
- You’re comfortable with some aromatic rough edges
Skip if:
- Rubber-adjacent or smoky notes are dealbreakers
- You prefer polished, classical brandy profiles
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 3 / 7
- Palate: 3.5 / 7
- Finish: 4 / 7
- Presentation: N/A (samples)
- Distinctiveness: 6 / 7
- Transparency: 7 / 7
- Value: N/A
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 4.7 / 7 – Angelic
Good to great. High value for the price.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Looking for more grape based spirit reviews? Explore them here.
Disclosure: This sample was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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