What It Really Takes to Build a Spirits Brand: The Red Rocks Spirits Story
- Ashley Blankenship
- May 14
- 2 min read
UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 2

Ever wondered what it actually takes to launch a spirits brand from scratch? In Episode 2 of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we take you behind the bottle for an unfiltered, no-BS look at the business of booze.
Starting Red Rocks Spirits wasn’t just about creating smooth, quality vodka and whiskey (though that was a major part of it). It was about breaking into a tightly regulated industry, learning the ropes on the fly, and rolling with every unexpected twist, from securing distribution to decoding Colorado liquor laws and navigating the maze of retail.
From Vision to Shelf: The Real Work Behind the Brand
This episode dives deep into the not-so-glamorous, often gritty reality of launching a spirits brand. We share stories of late nights, licensing headaches, moments of doubt—and those sweet victories when the first bottles of Red Rocks Vodka and Cut Cask Whiskey finally hit store shelves.
You’ll hear about:
How we turned a dream into a registered, distributed brand
The surprising complexity of liquor laws and compliance
Finding the right partners to get our spirits into your favorite stores
Why creativity, resilience, and community matter more than ever
The Startup Side of Spirits
If you’ve ever thought about starting a business—or just love a good behind-the-scenes success story—this episode is for you. It’s not always neat. It’s definitely not easy. But if you’ve ever sipped Red Rocks Spirits and wondered how it got into your glass, this conversation fills in the gaps.
🎧 Listen to Episode 2 now on your favorite podcast app or right here on our website.🥃 Don’t forget to enjoy it with a pour of Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey—the result of the hustle.
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