If you’re visiting Crested Butte, there’s no better place to visit than Montanya Distillers. Crested Butte’s famed rum distillery (yes, rum), is one of the Butte’s best offerings.While you can take a tour of the distillery and enjoy a rum tasting during the day, there’s also an entire kitchen and cocktail menu to behold at the Montanya Distillers on Elk Avenue.Make a reservation or walk in and sit at the bar. You can’t go wrong at Montanya Distillers. If you decide to visit, check out some of the distillery’s most delicious cocktails.
Painkiller
If you’ve ever visited the Virgin Islands, you know that a painkiller is so much more than an anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s an incredible rum-based cocktail that Montanya Distillers has perfected.It has a hard-to-achieve balance of “not too sweet” and “not too spicy.” That’s because its ingredients are rum, orange juice, cream of coconut, and nutmeg. If you want a taste of an island vacation in the mountains, order a Painkiller or two.
Maharaja
One of Montanya Distiller’s signature martinis, the Maharaja is rum-forward without being overbearing. The Maharaja is a complex cocktail with a spicy flavor, thanks to cinnamon sticks, cardamom, black peppercorns, and ginger. Mint rounds out this smokey and fragrant drink.Even if you initially think a rum martini might be too strong, don’t worry. The Maharaja is delicious even if rum isn’t your go-to spirit.
Fiery Passion
It’s all in the name when it comes to the Fiery Passion. Habanero Pineapple rum takes center stage in this spicy concoction, as passion fruit puree and agave syrup add a sweetness to the cocktail.Garnished with a spicy sugar rim and a fresh pineapple slice, Fiery Passion is one of the best drinks you’ll have.
Kokomo
For those who want a sweeter drink at a rum bar, opt for the Kokomo. This mix of lemon, lime, cream of coconut, ginger, and mint provides a balance of flavors that tends toward sweet. It’s a great starter drink, too, for those who might not be keen on rum.
You can’t go wrong at Montanya Distillers the next time you’re in Crested Butte.
