Unveiling Denver’s Award Winning Whiskey Sanctuary: A Masterpiece In Architecture

Published on September 25, 2025

Laws Whiskey House has been awarded the Design of Excellence Award for the enduring architectural artistry of the newly expanded visitor cocktail lounge and center, Laws Whiskey Sanctuary, which opened in December 2024. BOSS.architecture, the firm that realized the design, meticulously infused creativity and practicality into the Whiskey House’s craftsmanship, artistry, and authenticity.

An Example of BOSS.Architecture’s Forethought in Teamwork: Laws Whiskey House

Having been founded in 2011, Laws Whiskey House has been producing terroir-oriented rye, corn, barley, and wheat whiskeys for over a decade. The distillery specializes in rich and full-bodied whiskeys for which they have gained a solid reputation, and the Whiskey Sanctuary, an extension to the distillery, exemplifies the dedication they have to both the craft and the experience.

The creative team at BOSS.architecture, who won accolades for the creation, had the challenging task of magnificently transforming the Whiskey Sanctuary into a destination that embodies  the distillery’s core virtues of patience, craftsmanship, and authenticity.  The design focuses on engaging spaces that stimulate the senses and surroundings to tell the distillery’s story. For the design studio, the Sanctuary is  not just a destination, but an experience of the whiskey’s essence, which permeates the entire voyage.

Primary Attractions of the Whiskey Sanctuary

The Whiskey Sanctuary is a destination where one is not only able to sample fine whiskey but also becomes a participant in a multi-sensory voyage into the mysteries of whiskey distillation. At the core of this are the outstanding architectural features, which have positioned the Whiskey Sanctuary as a marvel among  the numerous attractions in Denver.

The Whiskey Church: This striking architectural piece is unarguably the first stop in every distillery tour, and is the highlight of The Whiskey Sanctuary. This part of the distillery features handcrafted wooden pews and magnificent columns crowned with soaring windows in the Gothic style, which add a feeling of tranquility and introspection. It marks the beginning of the pathway leading to  the heart of the whiskey-making process.

Cocktail Lounge with a View: The cocktail lounge, located on the second floor of the building, boasts unobstructed views of the majestic mountains of Colorado. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, this space ensures that every guest can enjoy the thoughtfully located cocktails while they take in the splendid surroundings.

Spiral Staircase Inspired by Whiskey Barrels: One of the most memorable parts of the design is the spiral staircase that moves through various areas of the Sanctuary. The design–which is meant to showcase the form and motion of whiskey barrels–is a metaphorical interpretation of the whiskey’s journey from distilling to maturing.

The Sanctuary is complete with thoughtful features such as these that maximize the enjoyment of the visitors. Whiskey Sanctuary is purposeful in its design, where every space is meant to take the visitors on a journey through the process of whiskey from grain to glass.

An Unforgettable Exploration For Whiskey Lovers

Whether a first-time visitor or a resident, with time, the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary has become the primary stop for anyone who sets foot in Denver. Whiskey enthusiasts or novices, it does not matter. The Laws Whiskey Sanctuary has something for everyone. Has Andy explained that the tour starts in the Whiskey Church and takes the participants through the rest of the distillery? The last stop includes a tutorial on the output of the distillery at the ‘sensory tasting bar.’ After the tour, the participants can join Andy on a RevisM tour.

Al Laws, the founder and CEO of Laws Whiskey House, could not hide his excitement about the accolades their distillery received in conjunction with the design team. He confirmed that the vision brought forth by BOSS.architecture is what made the story of the distillery come alive. It really is an embodiment of distillery values.

Gaining Recognition in the Whiskey Sector

The most recent addition to the distillery’s long list of achievements is the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary. Recently, Laws Whiskey House has been awarded the Best Colorado Distillery title by Coloradobiz Magazine, as well as a Top of the Town Award by 5280 Magazine for Top Distillery. These awards are a testament to the quality of Laws’ whiskeys and the originality the firm injects into the sector.

The whiskey scene in Colorado is becoming increasingly dynamic and developing, with the Laws Whiskey House being a notable example. It sits proudly in the Whiskey Sanctuary, a distillery designed to illustrate a commitment to quality whiskey craftsmanship. It evolved from a dedication to distilling the finest liquor by consolidating Brewer’s high-altitude bourbon and local ingredients into an architectural masterpiece. The sanctuary is dedicated to providing an immersive educational experience that elicits an appreciation for distilling.

Conclusion: A Fusion of Craft and Design

The Laws Whiskey Sanctuary’s recognition with the AIA Colorado’s Design of Excellence Award epitomizes the fruitful convergence of craft and design. Laws Whiskey House has crafted a destination that enhances whiskey tasting with a profound narrative of the spirit’s heritage. The Sanctuary, with its visionary design, stunning architecture, and unwavering commitment to excellence, is more than a distillery; it is a testament to Colorado’s whiskey heritage.

The Whiskey Sanctuary serves as a temple of distilling to Colorado’s distilling enthusiasts and architects. Its exquisite design, breathtaking vistas, and extraordinary whiskey continue to elevate these distillers and the Sanctuary itself as both the whiskey and the architecture support the evolving narrative of the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary.