Welcome to our Happy Hour Question & Answer series, where we ask questions to interesting people in the alcohol world.

This week’s spotlight is on Al Laws, Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House. Founded in 2011, Laws Whiskey House makes terroir-driven whiskeys from Colorado. The distillery’s grain-forward style whiskeys are made with quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye grown by two Colorado family farms. Laws uses time-tested production techniques that showcase each individual grain’s terroir resulting in singular and novel whiskeys.

Hops & Spirits: What drew you to the world of whiskey and bourbon?
Al Laws: I always had an almost obsession for whiskey and the magic of distilling. After spending 15 years on Wall Street, I knew it was time to pursue this passion full-time. I fully immersed myself in the world of whiskey—studying distilling obsessively, collecting bottles from around the world, and building a collection that eventually took over an entire room in my house. I attended countless whiskey events and dinners, devoured every book and magazine on the subject, and even tracked down a decade’s worth of back issues from top whiskey publications to study the spirit’s business, traditions, production, and evolution. Laws Whiskey House was founded in Denver in 2009, and we filled our first barrel on July 4, 2011.

HS: How did your time in finance and Wall Street help you with Laws Whiskey House?
AL: My background as a research analyst on Wall Street has been invaluable. There is an intellectual curiosity that is important on Wall Street that meshes very well with distilled spirits and aging.  While often this means we take a data-driven approach to whiskey-making, we also respect and embrace the aspects that impart soul in the whiskey. Something that I learned from my Yoda/mentor, Bill Friel.

HS: Why did you choose Colorado as the home for Laws Whiskey House?
AL: A few factors influenced the decision, but ultimately, Colorado offers everything needed to make world-class whiskey: locally grown heirloom and heritage grains, pristine mountain spring water, and a unique climate that enhances barrel aging. The opportunity to build something special aligned perfectly with what the state had to offer. Moreover, the state has sophisticated consumers weened on high quality craft beer with passion for artisan craft and authenticity.

HS: How much impact does Colorado’s terroir have on your whiskey?
AL: Colorado’s environment plays a huge role in shaping our whiskey. We use only Colorado-grown grain from two family farms, so our whiskeys have a true sense of place. The climate—marked by high elevation, rapid barometric pressure changes, and abundant sunshine—accelerates aging and enhances barrel influence, creating rich, complex flavors. The combination of snowmelt water, heirloom grain varietals, and Colorado’s unique conditions results in whiskeys with a distinctive character and terroir.

HS: Why has Laws Whiskey House placed such a strong focus on bonded whiskey?
AL: From the very beginning, we set out to create Bottled in Bond whiskey because of what it represents—high standards, authenticity, and a deep connection to the history of American whiskey. As the first consumer protection law in U.S. history, the Bottled in Bond Act still resonates today, offering drinkers a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship. To us, it’s a mark of integrity that says, “We made this, and we made it to the highest standards.”

HS: What was it like bringing the Four Grain Bonded Bourbon, Bonded Rye, and Bonded Wheat to life?
AL: We now have five Bottled in Bond expressions: our Four Grain Bourbon, 100% Rye Whiskey, 100% Wheat Whiskey, American Single Malt, and Straight Corn Whiskey. These represent our top-shelf releases, aged between four and eight years, depending on the batch. Like all of our whiskeys, these expressions highlight the unique flavors of the heirloom grains we use. The biggest challenge has been setting aside enough barrels to meet demand. Bourbon has the highest demand, followed by rye, while the others offer newer experiences that more whiskey lovers are starting to appreciate.

HS: What is Laws Whiskey House’s approach to making whiskey, and how does the “no shortcuts” mantra influence your process?
AL: Our brand mantra—”There are no shortcuts”—is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to producing whiskey the right way, with patience and precision. From waiting three years before selling our first bottle to spending seven years perfecting our new Whiskey Sanctuary, every step is driven by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

HS: Why did you decide to take a “no master distiller” approach?
AL: I found in the early years that many folks were calling themselves Master Distillers after tinkering around for a few years. That didn’t seem to jive with the folks I had met in Kentucky, including my Yoda, Bill Friel. Folks like Bill ran big operations and were true masters after 40 years in the trade. These Master Distillers earned those titles that we hadn’t earned yet.

Today, we have some of those people who have grown immensely in that role but we have kept more of a team approach. Everyone has a role, everyone participates and everyone has a voice, and if you are running the equipment, you are the Master Distiller. This team approach comes with a lot of accountability and responsibility to each other and the company.  

HS: What’s next for Laws Whiskey House?
AL: We continue to grind forward in a pretty tough environment. Every year, we introduce new and novel whiskeys that we have made over the years. Earlier this year was Super Wheater, which has garnered a lot of critical acclaim.

Having our new brand experience at The Whiskey Sanctuary at Laws Whiskey House was a long time coming but so worth the wait. Here we have an intimate platform where folks can come and try whiskey only available in house as well as experience our entire array of spirits in high quality crafted cocktails in our unique lounge. 

Visit lawswhiskeyhouse.com to learn more about their whiskeys, purchase bottles directly, or find a retailer near you.