Branch & Barrel Distilling has released Batch 35 of its 5-year Colorado Straight Bourbon, nicknamed ‘Mitch’s Blend’ after master blender Mitchell Nester. Branch & Barrel described its flagship bourbon as shaped “as much by Colorado’s landscape, agriculture, elevation, and climate as it is by the barrel itself.” The distillery’s Colorado Straight Bourbon has won 17 awards since it began entering competitions in 2019. Branch & Barrel releases small batches of its 5-year Colorado Straight Bourbon roughly four times per year. Colorado has emerged as a notable US craft whiskey hub, with the state home to producers such as Stranahan’s, one of the earliest Colorado whiskey brands.