large new whiskey distillery proposed for north central colorado

The former mining town of Black Hawk could see the construction of a unique combined whiskey distillery and resort.

The Jersey City, New Jersey-based Proximo Spirits says it wants to build what will be a 20-acre whiskey production facility that will include a hotel, housing, and open space.

The site will also feature an axe-throwing course.

Proximo is the parent company to the popular Tincup Whiskey, which was launched in 2004, and also produces such well-known brands as Jose Cuervo, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, and the vodka Three Olives.

The Tincup brand is currently distilled in Indiana, but sent to the Centennial State where it is cut with Colorado water.

The project has been embraced by town leaders in Black Hawk, whose city council has also voted to annex some 221 acres to the southeast of the town that will serve as the new home to the distillery and resort.

Altogether, the project is expected to cost at least $50 million to build.

But opposition in the form of a lawsuit has come from the town of Central City, less than 2 miles to the northwest of Black Hawk.

Central City officials claim that by annexing the property for the distillery and resort, Black Hawk is violating a 20 year-old agreement between the two towns limiting annexations for the purpose of only new home or golf course construction.
That suit has now been filed in the Gilpin County Court in Central City.

Both Black Hawk and Central City, with populations of around 120 and just under 800 people respectively, revived their economies beginning in the 1990s once gaming was approved state-wide.

Black Hawk now has just under twenty casinos, while Central City features half a dozen.
​
It is not known when the Gilpin County Court will rule on the Central City litigation.

By Garry Boulard

---