About State 38 Distilling

The State 38 Story

State 38 Distilling is a Golden, CO distillery that produces State 38 Whiskeys, Hacedor Agave Spirits, and Damn Smooth Spirits. Sourcing only the purest and carefully selected ingredients like local hand-milled grains, organic blue weber agave from Mexico, and crisp Rocky Mountain water, State 38 takes you on a journey of the senses that is uniquely satisfying and authentic. We are one of a handful of distilleries in the country to make agave spirits and distill our whiskeys on the grain for more flavor.

State 38 Distilling was founded in April 2013 and pays homage to Colorado, the 38th State. Much like the pioneers who came to Colorado in the late 1800s after the discovery of gold and then uncovered other opportunities such as rich minerals, metals, mountain streams, outdoor adventures, railroad lines and much more, so did the owners of State 38. Our fearless leaders Don Hammond and Sean Smiley have each started multiple businesses throughout their careers. What started as a passion project and new opportunity by a Colorado native, has now turned into a successful and thriving distillery, that was hand built from the ground up.

Sean founded State 38 Distilling in 2013 with a focus on agave spirits and expanded into other spirit lines. After wanting to take the distillery to the next level, Don became the majority owner and managing partner in 2020. Don and Sean share a passion for business, a mindset of being 'doers', a drive for something better, and a love for spirits that has bonded them as business owners. Their passion for ‘doing’ is apparent when you visit the distillery and see the custom built still, handmade beetle pine bar top, and customized distillery space. Their drive for something better is visible through their actions and excitement to give back to the community through partnerships and donations to many local Colorado nonprofits. Much like the original pioneers who built Colorado into the state it is today, Don and Sean have built State 38 Distilling into the hand-crafted distillery you will come to love.

Come see for yourself that we are indeed drinkably different with over 12 unique spirits. State 38 spirits range from the familiar—Bourbon, Vodka, and Gin—to the adventurous—Blanco, Reposado and Anejo Agave Spirits, Absinthe, Rye, Wheat and Peat-Smoked Whiskeys. Our large spirit portfolio, hand-built stills, and tasting room are as genuine as the place they are made. Come experience a tour, taste our spirits, enjoy a cocktail, and take a bottle home to share.

Live Adventurously, Drink Authentically.