Overview: In a rapidly evolving industry, one Colorado distillery is standing out with its innovative approach to whiskey-making and liqueur production. Founded by Callan Deline and head distiller Chris Ritenour, Hoot + Howl Spirits has quickly made a name for itself with multiple awards at the Beverage Testing Institute World Spirits Championships and the 2026 World Whiskies Awards.
The Full Story
Hoot + Howl’s journey began with a passion for recreating historical recipes and methods. Deline, a seventh-generation Coloradan, brings his family background in brewing to the table, while Ritenour trains himself in French distilling techniques through old books. This unique blend of expertise allows Hoot + Howl Spirits to push boundaries in whiskey production.
The brand’s inaugural year saw two gold medals at the Beverage Tasting Institute World Spirits Championships for its Amaro Cask Bourbon and Armagnac Cask Bourbon, both using casks from these specific aged spirits. These unique finishes result in rich, bold whiskeys with distinct flavor profiles. The Armagnac and Amaro Cask Bourbons have earned praise for their smoothness and depth.
Beyond whiskey, Hoot + Howl Spirits also produces a Black Tea Liqueur that has garnered attention at the Beverage Testing Institute World Spirits Championships. This double-distilled liqueur is infused with loose-leaf black tea, bergamot peel, and rich Demerara sugar. Its smoothness belies its complexity.
The brand’s gin and triple sec also showcase Hoot + Howl’s innovative approach to production. The mountain gin blends native botanicals like spruce tips and white sage with bay laurel, juniper, and other mountainous botanicals. This results in a full-bodied spirit reminiscent of an ancient tonic.
Production & Profile
The Amaro Cask Bourbon is blended from seven-year-old bourbon aged for one year in Sicilian amaro casks, which impart a distinct flavor profile to the whiskey. Hoot + Howl claims that this results in a Black Manhattan-like taste experience. The Armagnac Cask Bourbon uses a similar process but with armagnac instead of amaro.
The liqueurs are double-distilled and undergo traditional tranchage (cutting or separating) processes, capturing the essence of perfectly brewed sweet tea for their black tea liqueur and bitter orange zest for their triple sec. These techniques allow Hoot + Howl Spirits to create unique spirits that stand out in a crowded market.
Brand & Industry History
Hoot + Howl Spirits’ history is deeply rooted in the state of Colorado, where Deline brings his family background and Ritenour trains himself through historical French techniques. This blend of expertise has allowed Hoot + Howl to innovate its approach to whiskey production.
What This Means
Hoot + Howl Spirits’ recent awards signal a shift in the industry toward innovative approaches to distilling. As consumers become more discerning, brands like HooT will continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a craft spirit maker. Furthermore, this attention may lead to increased interest from whiskey enthusiasts who are eager for something new.
Consumer Takeaway
In the world of spirits, innovation is key. With its unique approach to distilling, Hoot + Howl Spirits offers consumers a glimpse into a brighter future. Whether you’re looking for bold whiskeys aged in Amaro and Armagnac casks or smooth liqueurs infused with tea and citrus zest, this Colorado-based brand has something for everyone.
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