291 Barrel Proof Single Barrel Bourbon Review: Is This Colorado’s Best Bourbon?
291 Bourbon
Kentucky may be the undisputed king of bourbon, but over the past decade, a handful of craft distilleries have proven that exceptional whiskey can come from well beyond the Bluegrass State. Among those leading the charge is 291 Colorado Whiskey, a distillery that has built a national reputation for bold flavors, unconventional techniques, and a willingness to ignore tradition in pursuit of something uniquely Western.
One of the most talked-about bottles in their lineup is the 291 Barrel Proof Single Barrel Bourbon—a full-strength, single-barrel release that pushes boundaries by finishing the whiskey with charred Aspen wood staves. It’s a process few distilleries attempt and one that gives 291 its unmistakable identity.
Naturally, that raised a question for us.
Could this actually be Colorado’s best bourbon?
That’s exactly what we set out to discover on this episode of Tortured Bourbon.
The Story Behind 291 Colorado Whiskey
Unlike many distilleries with centuries of family history, 291 Colorado Whiskey is a relatively young operation with an unconventional founder.
The distillery was established in 2011 in Colorado Springs by Michael Myers, a former fashion photographer from New York City who traded studio lights for copper pot stills. Inspired by Colorado’s rugged landscape and independent spirit, Myers wanted to build whiskey that reflected the American West rather than simply recreating Kentucky bourbon.
That philosophy quickly became the foundation of the brand.
Rather than chasing tradition, 291 embraced experimentation while maintaining respect for the legal standards that define bourbon. Every bottle aims to balance classic bourbon flavors with bold innovation, helping the distillery earn awards and recognition from some of the world’s most respected spirits competitions.
Today, 291 has become one of the flagship names of Colorado whiskey and a benchmark for American craft distilling.
What Makes 291 Different?
The first thing most bourbon drinkers notice is the proof.
Our bottle comes in at a hefty 129 Proof (64.5% ABV), delivering an unapologetically full-strength experience that isn’t diluted to reach a predetermined proof point.
But proof alone isn’t what separates this bourbon from the crowd.
After aging in new charred American oak barrels, 291 finishes many of its bourbons using charred Aspen wood staves. Aspen is a tree synonymous with the Rocky Mountains, and while it isn’t commonly used in whiskey maturation, it contributes an entirely different layer of flavor than traditional oak.
The result is a whiskey that often leans into notes of:
Dark caramel
Vanilla bean
Roasted espresso
Cinnamon
Black pepper
Toasted oak
Herbal spice
Dark cherry
Campfire smoke
Earthy wood character
The Aspen finish has become the signature characteristic of 291, creating a flavor profile that bourbon enthusiasts tend to either love or debate—which is exactly the kind of bottle we enjoy putting through the Tortured Bourbon treatment.
Single Barrel Means Every Bottle Is Different
One of the biggest attractions of this release is that it is a true single barrel bourbon.
Unlike large batched releases designed for consistency, every barrel develops its own personality during maturation.
Some barrels emphasize sweeter caramel and vanilla notes.
Others lean heavily into spice, oak, tobacco, herbal flavors, or roasted coffee.
That means no two bottles are exactly alike, making every single barrel a unique experience.
For collectors and enthusiasts, that unpredictability is part of the appeal.
Colorado’s Growing Whiskey Reputation
Colorado has quietly become one of America’s most exciting whiskey-producing states.
Distilleries like 291 Colorado Whiskey, Stranahan’s, Laws Whiskey House, and several smaller craft producers have demonstrated that outstanding bourbon and American whiskey don’t have to come from Kentucky.
The state’s dramatic climate, high elevation, and significant day-to-night temperature swings create unique barrel-aging conditions that differ from traditional bourbon regions.
Whether those differences produce “better” whiskey is open to debate—but they certainly create distinctive whiskey.
Our Tortured Bourbon Review
Every bottle tells a story.
Some rely on age.
Some rely on heritage.
291 relies on innovation.
The combination of barrel-proof strength, single-barrel individuality, and Aspen wood finishing creates one of the most distinctive bourbons we’ve reviewed.
But does being different automatically mean being better?
Can a Colorado craft distillery compete with legendary Kentucky names?
And perhaps the biggest question of all…
Is 291 Barrel Proof Single Barrel actually Colorado’s best bourbon?
You’ll have to watch the episode to find out.
As always, we evaluate every bottle honestly—without sponsorships, paid reviews, or outside influence. If a bourbon deserves praise, we’ll say it. If it misses the mark, you’ll hear that too.
Because at Tortured Bourbon, our mission has never changed:
We suffer through bourbon so you don’t have to.
