Idlewild Spirits Restaurant and Distillery

Master Distiller Jeff Ruhle founded Idlewild Spirits in 2015, establishing a small-batch distillery and restaurant in Winter Park that operates at 8,787 feet. The business mills unique Colorado grain varietals on site no more than 12 hours before they enter the mash tun, ensuring freshness from grain to glass. Water drawn from nearby Vasquez Creek flows directly into the stills, where distillation, barrel aging, and bottling occur within roughly 100 yards of the source. The dining room serves seasonal New American fare designed to complement a wide array of craft cocktails and house-made spirits. Visitors frequently seek out the gin bottles as gifts, while the cozy atmosphere features a lounge area with a live fire that draws guests for both happy hour and full dinners. Staff members are known for their deep knowledge of the menu, guiding patrons through options that range from signature drinks like the Idlewild mule to hearty burgers and tapas-style dishes. The establishment has maintained a strong reputation for quality, blending the technical precision of craft distilling with the warmth of a local gathering spot.