Local Booze Boom, Cocktail Bars On The Rise

The New York Times reported that Colorado's liquor laws have given birth to a variety of local spirits, and in dual, to a new wave of cocktail-driven bars with a local emphasis, like Frank Bonanno's Green Russell in Larimer Square and Sean Kenyson's Williams & Graham opening tonight in the Highlands. Because laws allow distilleries to sell their products and host tasting rooms, Colorado's distilleries have increased from a mere two in 2004 to 20 in 2011. Other bars mentioned include Rootdown in Denver, and Mateo and The Bitter Bar in Boulder.

· Blithe Spirits in Colorado [The New York Times]

Green Russell [Photo: Larimer Square]