Denver, Colorado’s Laws Whiskey House has carved out a loyal following with its bold, grain-forward Four Grain Colorado Straight Bourbon. Known for its unique mashbill — 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom rye, and 10% heirloom malted barley — this spirit has resonated with whiskey lovers in both its 95 proof and Cask Strength forms.
Now, the distillery is expanding its core lineup with Founder’s Select Colorado Straight Bourbon, a new expression that builds on the beloved Four Grain foundation. Designed to be a more approachable entry point to the Laws Whiskey portfolio, Founder’s Select dials down the intensity while preserving the character that defines the brand.
The intent? To offer a softer, more inviting sip that highlights the same locally grown heirloom grains and Colorado terroir, but with a lighter hand. All 98 barrels selected for this release were chosen for their bright, medium-bodied profile — suited for the 90 proof bottling. The blend includes barrels aged between 4.2 and 4.3 years, a deviation from the broader age range found in the 95 proof and Cask Strength expressions, which can include whiskey up to 12 years old.
Before proofing down to 90, the batch harvested at 117.2 proof. This new expression comes with a more accessible price point, offering an easy-on-the-wallet gateway into the Laws Whiskey experience.
So, is Founder’s Select just a gentler younger sibling, or does it stand tall on its own merits? With a glass in hand, we’re about to find out whether this new release is a worthy addition — or if the originals still reign supreme.
Laws Founder’s Select Bourbon Review
The nosing experience begins with the scent of cakey frosted sugar cookies, like those found in the bakery section of a grocery store. After this sweet, bready note fades, a dried apricot aroma appears, adding a bit of fruitiness. Then comes a surprising finish to the bouquet: freshly sliced cucumber. It’s an unusual element in a bourbon. While not off-putting, it left me unsure how to interpret it within the overall profile.
The palate opens with candied pecans, but the tannins from the nuts are a bit too forward, creating more astringency than expected. This shifts into flavors of plain graham crackers and a hint of nutmeg. The grain presence is quite strong and stays at the forefront. The mouthfeel shows medium viscosity — neither thin nor overly rich.
On the finish, grapefruit peel leads, followed by sour cherries and a faint espresso note. The grain-forward approach clearly reflects the intentions of Laws Whiskey House, yet in this case, it didn’t fully work for me. I’ve enjoyed many of their whiskeys, including other Four Grain releases, but Founder’s Select isn’t one I’d go back to. The concept of emphasizing grain character and regional traits is interesting, but this bourbon feels like it needs more barrel time to reach a better balance.
90 proof.
B- / $40
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