Laws Whiskey House has launched the 2025 Headwaters Series Rio Grande Rye Edition, marking the second release in the Colorado distillery’s annual limited-edition collection. The Headwaters Series honors the state’s rivers while supporting water conservation efforts.
The new rye whiskey draws inspiration from the Rio Grande River, which sustains millions across the Southwest and supports multi-generational farms in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Distilled from 100% heirloom rye grown in the valley and proofed with purified water from the Rio Grande itself, this release reflects the region’s unique terroir.
Laws Whiskey House Headwaters Series Rio Grande Rye Edition
The Rio Grande Rye Edition opens with aromas of sandalwood, cola syrup, and lemon zest, according to official tasting notes from Laws Whiskey House. The palate delivers balanced flavors of pear, allspice, honey, graham cracker, and citrus, finishing with dry complexity layered in oak sweetness, mint, and orange. Water from the Rio Grande was used in the production of the whiskey, making use of its minerality and calling back to Laws Whiskey House’s sustainable mission.
“Water is essential not only to our whiskey-making process but to the communities and ecosystems that rely on these rivers,” said Al Laws, founder of Laws Whiskey House. “The Rio Grande Edition is our way of honoring the river that nourishes the grains we use and giving back to ensure its vitality for future generations.”
Ten percent of proceeds from this release benefit the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, which focuses on stabilizing riverbanks, improving irrigation infrastructure, and protecting habitat.
Critical Conservation Timing
The timing of this release carries particular significance as the Rio Grande was recently named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2025 by the nonprofit American Rivers. The San Luis Valley has faced increasingly severe dustbowl conditions, with aquifer levels reaching record lows in 2024.
This year brings additional challenges with one of the lowest snowpacks on record, heightening concerns for the summer growing season. These conditions create pressure for farmers in the region as they work to preserve both their agricultural heritage and the river itself.
The Rio Grande supplies water to numerous multi-generational family farms, including the Cody Family Farm where the heirloom grains for this whiskey are grown. The agricultural economy of the San Luis Valley depends on the Rio Grande’s health.
The Rio Grande Rye Edition is available exclusively at the Denver-based Laws Whiskey Sanctuary for $84.99. This follows the first Headwaters Series release, the Colorado River Four Grain Bourbon launched in June 2024, which supports the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition.
Read the full article at Laws Whiskey House Launches Rio Grande Rye to Save Endangered River
