Our Story.

Alcohol runs deep in my blood. It’s hard to say exactly how long my family has been the alcohol business. My forefather immigrated to the US from Germany to start a new life as a brewer in Kentucky. My grandfather (father’s side), worked his way up to VP of Brown-Forman spirits company. My aunt, uncle, and great uncle also worked for Brown-Forman. My grandfather and great-grandfather (mother’s side), both ran moonshine across Kentucky. Now, though I was raised in Montrose, CO, I carry the torch of my Kentucky ancestors.

After running a craft spirit/beer bar in Denver for several years, I realized that I was still searching for a deeper understanding of alcohol and the culture around it. That is when I decided to live out of my car and travel through the historically rich South. Eventually I landed in Islamorada, FL. Once there, I had the opportunity to take on my first job distilling (making rum). After that, I picked up and moved to South Carolina where I distilled award winning gin, vodka, and whiskies in an apprenticeship. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, I packed up and drove back home to Colorado. Settling in Ft. Collins, I began distilling for Mobb Mountain Distillers. Now, in Denver I proudly present Ancestors Distilling.

In honor of our forefathers and the stories they have written; here’s something to cheers to your family, friends, and generations to come. To the spirits passed.

-Wes Panther (Owner / Distiller)