291 Distillery & The Decc — Warm Flavors, Colorado Roots

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Distillery 291 is the creation of founder and distiller Michael Myers. A former fashion and beauty photographer in New York, Myers was inspired by both the craftsmanship of photography and the ruggedness of the Old West. He launched Distillery 291 in 2011, determined to produce grain-to-glass whiskey using Colorado plains grains and water sourced from reservoirs near Pikes Peak.

291’s philosophy is “Hardmade the Colorado Way” — rugged, refined, and rebellious. They take care in each step: sourcing, process, aging (often using aspen staves), and small batch production. Under Myers, 291 has earned many awards (e.g. for their Rye, Bourbon, New Make / Young Spirits) and built a loyal following among whiskey lovers.

Introducing The Decc Citrus Clove Liqueur

The Decc is a relatively new release in 291’s catalog. It started as a one-off special concoction that ended up being so well-received that they decided it deserved a permanent spot. It’s built on 291 Fresh Whiskey, infused with citrus and clove, inspired by Colorado’s crisp weather. The result: a fruity, spiced liqueur with a satin-smooth medium body. Proof is 70 (35% ABV).

Flavor-wise, expect a noticeable presence of clove and citrus, with warmth from spice, balance, and a botanical sweetness. It’s versatile — think hot toddies, spiced coffees/teas, winter cocktails, but also surprising in cooler weather or as a twist in lighter drinks.

Why The Decc is on-Point This Fall/Winter

The spice + citrus profile syncs naturally with the flavors people crave in colder months: warm, comforting, aromatic.
It works well in both sippers (hot toddies, mulled drinks, spiced cider elevating) and creative cocktails that want a twist (not just more sugar, but depth from clove + citrus).
It brings something different to home bars: many drinkers have bourbon, rye, basic liqueurs; fewer own a niche citrus-clove liqueur with whiskey backbone. It’s giftable, seasonal, but with staying power if people like it.

Trade Buyer Case: Why On & Off Premise Should Carry The Decc

Here’s why bars/restaurants (on-premise), and retail/off-premise stores should consider The Decc:

Channel	Reasons to Stock The Decc
On-Premise	Cocktail creativity: bartenders can build seasonal menus around it (hot toddy, spiced affogato, winter twists) and use it to add unique flavor signals. Value proposition: differentiates the cocktail program. Patrons are drawn to novel liqueurs. Adds flair for holiday & winter promotions: events, warm-drink specials, festive offerings. Margins: as a liqueur, can yield higher margins in mixed drinks.
Off-Premise	Retail buyers/home enthusiasts want beverage components for entertaining in cooler months. Gift appeal: attractive bottle and seasonal flavor make it a good gift or host-present. Supports cross-selling: pair with 291 whiskey, mixers, seasonal items. Keeps stores fresh: a seasonal release helps renew consumer interest, attract shoppers.

Suggested Cocktail: Spiced Winter Sour

Here’s a cocktail recipe to showcase The Decc, beyond the usual:

Spiced Winter Sour

1.5 oz 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
0.75 oz The Decc Citrus Clove Liqueur
0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.5 oz maple syrup (or rich simple syrup)
Dash of aromatic bitters (e.g. orange or clove-forward)
Egg white (optional, for texture)
Garnish: lemon peel + a light dusting of ground clove or grated nutmeg

Directions:

If using egg white, dry-shake (no ice) all ingredients except garnish to emulsify.
Shake with ice until well chilled.
Strain into a coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube (if desired).
Garnish with lemon peel, maybe a light sprinkle of clove or nutmeg.

This balances the warmth of whiskey with the clove and citrus from The Decc; the maple syrup adds autumn richness.

Bottom Line

291’s The Decc is more than just a seasonal novelty. It’s a thoughtful product built from the house style, with flavor that appeals to both casual and adventurous drinkers. It provides an opportunity for trade buyers to stand out, offer warmer, more aromatic options in chill-weather menus, and deliver something new to retail shelves this fall and winter.