Howling for Golden Moon Speakeasy

By Thom Collyns, sipper extraordinaire:

We weren’t sure what we were getting ourselves into. Halfway up the steep stairs we began to doubt the sidewalk sign. With an arrow pointing toward a simple wooden door, it had promised cocktails in the Golden Moon Speakeasy. Given the location on Golden’s main drag, Washington Street, amid touristy old west gift shops, this seemed unlikely. Of course we could not resist!

A couple of high-heeled ladies giggled and wobbled a bit as they shimmied past us in the narrow, exposed brick hallway at the top of the stairs. Onward, down another flight of open air stairs, around a corner, we really began to wonder. Then, a slight din drew us to open an unmarked door…

POW! A warm humid blast of raucous laughter, music and sweet booziness hit us as we opened the door into an alternate universe! Much to our delight, flickering candles, mirrored walls, art and rows upon rows of beautiful liquor bottles filled the walls, embracing a happy crowd. Provenance was ours as a couple of prime stools opened up at the bar, providing front and center access to the wondrous show. Mixing various tonics and elixirs, a team of hip young alchemists feverishly shook, tapped, poured, measured, stirred and sprinkled concoctions for the voracious throng. Flashing friendly smiles, these master mixologists welcomed us with gracious attention to our needs and answered our endless questions without a hint of impatience or snootiness.

Per the law, Golden Moon can only serve what they have distilled. All Golden Moon, all the time. We were fine with that.

We selected the sample flights – an incredible deal at $5 for 4 (optional upgrades for $1-$2). Our guide to the spirits world was a charming young tattooed woman who lovingly prepared our row of charming sipping glasses. Still too warm from washing, she carefully pre-chilled them with cubes of ice. Then expertly described each as she poured them, thoughtfully leaving the bottles behind in the same order so we would not get confused as we sipped. Absinthe lovers that we are, we enjoyed watching her transform the clear liquor into mystical sage greenness with icy cold drops from the absinthe tower.

It was all deliciously fun theater!

We sipped these 8 varieties from Golden Moon Distillery:

Redux Absinthe Verte – the holy grail of all the liqueurs, there is just something about the smooth anise black licorice that drives us to near apoplexy.

Grappa – strong and sinus-clearing, it was not a particularly interesting drink for our taste buds.

Gin – so herbal and fresh, it left us craving more. Non-gin lovers should try this one to understand just how good gin can be.

Apple Jack Whiskey – Mere hints of apple left us wondering if this was mixed up with another drink. Good, solid and strong, but not remarkable.

Crème de Violette – Brewed from violet blossoms. Delicate and sweet, the pale purple color is charming.

Dry Curacao – one of our favorites from the Breckenridge Crafts Spirits festival, we were happy to be reunited with this tasty orange delight.

Amer Dit Picon – Colorado’s only distillery to make this authentic dark and lusty orange liqueur, oft used as bitters for mixed cocktails.

Gun Fighter Bourbon Whiskey, 7 year – The only one not 100% brewed on site, they import a special small batch spirit from the wild hallows of Tennessee to craft their own blend. Nuthin’ fancy. Just tasty, smooth, satisfying.

If you need something to munch on, besides the nice, roasty peanuts they offer, there is a Charcuterie and Cheese Platter and Caviar with Crackers & Creme Fraiche. We look forward to returning soon for their “7 for $7 until 7pm” happy hour special to sip their cocktails. Golden Moon Speakeasy is worth the short drive to Golden for the wonderfully elicit-feeling experience.

Golden Moon Speakeasy is located at 1111 Miner’s Alley in Golden.