When asked to name a state associated with great whiskey, most would likely point to Kentucky. While Kentucky remains an industry leader, Colorado has steadily evolved into a notable presence in American whiskey. One example is The Family Jones, a Colorado-based distillery and tasting room that follows a grain-to-glass approach, using 100% locally sourced grains grown on family farms employing regenerative agriculture.
The distillery partners with several Colorado growers—including Whiskey Sisters, Root Shoot Malting Olander Farms, GBT Farms, and Jones Farms Organics—to ensure high-quality grain sourcing. With facilities in both Denver and Loveland, The Family Jones recently released Batch 5 of its Ella Jones Colorado Straight Bourbon, made with a mashbill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley.
The distiller’s beer undergoes fermentation for 84 to 96 hours. Fermentation techniques vary by location: Loveland uses stainless steel tanks with temperature control, while Denver relies on toasted oak foeders without temperature regulation. The oak foeders ferment for at least 96 hours and allow for the development of a pellicle of organic acids, contributing to increased ester formation during fermentation.
Under the guidance of Head Distiller Rob Masters, the Loveland site operates a still with a pot manufactured by Silver State Stainless and a condenser from Artisan Still Design. In Denver, the distillation setup includes a still from Christian Carl. The distillate typically comes off the still at around 150 proof and is proofed down to 110 before entering barrels.
Barreling takes place in 53-gallon Independent Stave Company Craft Series barrels, each featuring a #3 char and staves that have been air-dried for three years. A typical batch of Ella Jones bourbon consists of about 20 barrels, with 90% from Loveland and 10% from Denver. The youngest barrels in Batch 5 have aged for at least three years, while the oldest have matured for over seven, with the average age settling in at around 5.5 years. Colorado’s colder, drier climate contributes to a unique aging profile, with an average loss of approximately 20% of the spirit on a proof gallon basis within two years.
The Family Jones brought a meticulous attention to detail to the distillation and aging of Ella Jones. But did that precision yield results for the Colorado distillery? Let’s take a closer look.
Ella Jones Bourbon Review
The nosing experience begins with the scent of sweet cornbread and slightly underripe plums. The plum note gives way to molasses, followed by a return to crisp, clean fruit—this time taking on the character of crunchy pears. Letting the glass rest allows a final note of orange zest to come through, rounding out the aroma.
On the palate, the sweet cornbread carries over and is joined by burnt brown sugar. While the nose suggested fruit that hadn’t fully ripened, the palate delivers plums and pears that are juicier. The mouthfeel is on the lighter side, offering an easy-drinking experience. The finish brings in flavors of vanilla pudding, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of light brown sugar. It doesn’t offer much in the way of complexity, but it remains enjoyable and consistent with the rest of the tasting.
For those who gravitate toward bourbons with noticeable oak influence, this one may fall short. Batch 5 of Ella Jones Colorado Straight Bourbon presents a lighter profile overall, though it’s approachable and worth sampling — and especially fitting for warmer weather. While it may not be my pick during the colder months, it feels like a natural companion to a warm evening on the porch with friends.
Although the label notes a minimum age of three years, there are older components in the blend. That said, the $55 price tag is a sticking point. While I understand the higher costs faced by small, local producers, there are several stronger contenders in this range. If the price were closer to $40, it would be a more appealing purchase.
94 proof. Reviewed: Batch #5.
B / $55 / thefamilyjones.co [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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