By Ryan Hecht, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director
Talnua Distillery started producing whiskeys and gins in 2018 and opened its tasting room to the public on St. Patrick’s Day of 2019. Located in southeast Arvada, Talnua became America’s first Single Pot Still Whiskey distillery.
For Talnua co-founders Patrick and Meagan Miller, the passion for this distinct style of whiskey dates back to 2011 in a Galway pub on their honeymoon. The Millers started distilling at home in 2015 while Patrick was working as a distiller at Stranahan’s. At the time, Meagan was an environmental and regulatory specialist.
“Arvada found us when our business partner, Robert, walked into Stranahan’s and met Patrick,” said Meagan. “Robert is the landlord of our building and had a distillery in one of his units that went out of business in 2016. He offered the space to us for Talnua.
We love the fact that we can cultivate a community within Arvada and Colorado using whiskey as a way to connect with people.”
What is unique about Talnua?
Meagan: We offer a core-four whiskey lineup, two gins, and several special releases throughout the year. We have a cocktail lounge with world-class hand-crafted cocktails as well as flights, guided tastings, and private events. We are the first distillery outside of Ireland fully dedicated to Single Pot Still Whiskey using all Colorado barley. We are bringing to America Single Pot Still Whiskey using the terroir that Colorado provides in the aging process.
Now six years in business, do you have any reflections on growth or surprises along the way?
Patrick: It’s been a journey of organic growth beyond what we anticipated, expanding from two to 16 barrels per week. We’re also making plans to scale up to 50 barrels per week and acquire additional land for a larger facility.
How is Talnua distributed?
Patrick: Distribution has been key as we’ve grown. We started by selling mostly on-site, but now have a distributor, plus a contract distilling partnership. We also run a tasting room, and host events, which has driven revenue. We punch way above our weight class in revenue from just the tasting room doing events.
What can you share about your future expansion plans?
Patrick: We’re expanding the tasting room to offer tours, events, and more space for visitors. In February, when we won our World Whiskey Award, we did 11 tours to wrap our heads around what we want our visitor experience to be. Ultimately, we want to create an immersive experience, similar to distilleries in Kentucky or Scotland, where visitors can learn about our unique Single Pot Still Whiskey and its Irish heritage.
How big is your team?
Meagan: Our team has grown significantly. Starting with just two bartenders, we now have a beverage director, production manager, distillers, and are hiring an events coordinator. We also have a creative director to help with our branding as we reach new audiences. We have 12 team members (four of which are owners). Maya, our General Manager, has been actively participating in the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Inclusion and Belonging KAPS council.
What is a major misconception about your industry?
Meagan: That there aren’t a lot of women in distilling. There are women all over Colorado in the distilling industry from owners, head distillers, brewers, marketing directors, sales directors, general managers & beverage directors.
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
Meagan: Business for Punks was one of my first favorite business books.
Any community partnerships you’d like to mention?
Patrick: Definitely. We love all of our friends in Olde Town. They’ve become like family to us. We’re also close with local businesses like Bluegrass Lounge, Molly’s Spirits, Minuteman Press Arvada, and Arvada Rent-Alls. We send our barrels to New Image Brewing and Odyssey Beerwerks. And the Chamber has been great for us; they’ve all become friends too.
Talnua Distillery
www.talnua.com
5405 W 56th Ave Unit C, Arvada, CO
(303) 431-4949
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