VODKA & WHISKEYS
ABOUT US
Sourced from James Peak at 13,294 feet
OUR MASTER DISTILLER
Our 1859 products are a specially crafted line of products from Rick Thomas Distillery with the goal of expanding the type of products available from our distillery. We find that our products are perfect to be enjoyed on the mountain with your favorite winter sports, in a warm cabin with friends, or on any adventure you might find yourself on. Declan Watts, the Master Distiller, has studied the art and science of making whiskey at Colorado State University in their Fermentation Science and Technology program, as well as studied distillation at the Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, the home of The Institute of Brewing & Distilling. Using 100% Colorado grains for our whiskey and water from James Peak, we have crafted a uniquely Colorado grounded product.
On our bottles you will find the story of how we got our name:
John H. Gregory first discovered gold in Black Hawk, CO in 1859. Dubbed “the richest square mile on earth,” this former mining camp became the home of Rick Thomas Distillery in 2023. Rick Thomas’ signature 1859 vodka and whiskey takes advantage of the water from the eastern slope of James Peak at 13,294 feet in elevation.
OUR LEGACY
Continuing the tradition of our family business, complete with youthful leadership, today.
GEORGE JOHN HOF
In 1874, George John Hof, our Master Distiller’s great-great-great grandfather opened a bar in South St. Louis.
JOHN HOF JR
In 1886, at just 14 years old, George John Hof Jr. took over after his father passed away. The bar served mainly the German and Irish community.
PATRONS
The patrons of the bar were mainly factory workers - hats, shoes and other manufacturing were the main economic drivers of the community at that time
PROHIBITION
With a pool table, a steady stream of patrons, and rooms to rent above the bar, young John Hof Jr., ran a successful bar until Prohibition caused the closure of the bar.
