It’s been a pretty big year at Montanya Distillers. We released a new rum, Valentia, and launched new bottles for most of our rums (still Cradle to Cradle certified). Along the way, the Tasting Room saw a record number of visitors and we moved into new offices. We also upped our game on the blog, launched a new website and started Life Distilled, one of our favorite ways to stay in touch with you. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Top 5 Blog Posts

Meet the Growers: Isabel and Will Thibaut — Isabel and Will Thibaut grow sugar cane in Louisiana. Isabel was born in our hometown of Crested Butte and met Will when he came to the region to ski.

A New Limited Release: Valentia — A long awaited milestone for our founder Karen, this double maturation rum was made by women every step of the way.

A Closer Look at the Rum Distillation Process — A by-the-numbers look at every batch of Montanya Rum (staring with 400 pounds of raw, unrefined sugar cane).

How to Taste Rum — Tasting notes on Montanya Rum and how to host a DIY rum tasting. Always fun!

Changing the Way Rum is Sold — A few of the ways we’re working to make it easier for consumers to find the rum they love.

Top 5 Rum Cocktail Recipes

Maharaja — A signature Montanya cocktail inspired by Karen’s travels in India.

Rio de Janeiro — We may be in the mountains, but every rum bar needs a cocktail perfect for the beach!

Jungle Bird — Karen’s take on a classic, featuring the spirits of two fellow members in the Women’s Cocktail Collective.

Old Fashioned — Our take on a classic, which we’ve recently decided ought to be called a New Fashioned on account of the muddled orange.

Fall Manhattan — Pür Spirits Williams Pear and Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters put a spin on this classic cocktail.

Top 5 Cocktails in the Tasting Room

Maharaja — We aren’t surprised by this trend!

Señorita — Look no further when you’re looking to add some kick to your cocktail!

Old Fashioned — You won’t believe there’s no bourbon.

Mojito — Dress it up or dress it down for any occasion. You can even turn it into a “Bojito.”

Painkiller — Distiller Renee Newton’s favorite Montanya cocktail because “It’s a little sweet and a little spicy just like me. :)”

Top 5 Food Items in the Tasting Room

(Want the recipes? We share the how-to for Chef Rose’s creations in our newsletter. Subscribe to be in on the next one.)

Ramen — Who knew a rum bar could be known for its ramen?

Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl — Wild-caught ahi tuna, black forbidden rice, avocado, wasabi aioli—just a few of the ingredients that make this dish so, so good.

Animal Fries — Sweet potato fries gone wild with Bulgogi beef, Banh Mi sauce, grated parm and green onion.

Amalfi Bowl — No menu is complete without some kind of quinoa bowl, and this delicious dish fits the bill.

Korean Wings — Served with local Kimchi, made by one of our distillers, Renee Newton.

5 of the Most Popular Links in Life Distilled

We love sharing a handful or our favorite things each week, and these were some of the most popular links we shared:

Still Drumming at 106 — #lifegoals

Daddy/Baby Convo — Who says you need to speak the same language to feel understood?

2019 National Book Award Nominees — Looking for a good read? Start here.

Next Spirit to Watch — The rise of premium rum.

13 Genius Questions — Small talk not your thing? You’ll want to check this out before your next party. (Want more great links like these? Subscribe to Life Distilled!)

Thanks so much for your support in 2019! And cheers to 2020. Let’s make it a good year!