Larado Small Batch Wheat Whiskey Review

Distillery: Larado Whiskey—Windsor, CO

Proof: 90.0 (45.0% ABV)

Age: Sisx Years

Mashbill: 95% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $70

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A Quiet Pour from Colorado’s High Country

For the first time on the Insiders Community, we turn our attention to Larado Whiskey, a relatively new distillery based in Windsor, Colorado.

At an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet, Larado operates in similar environmental conditions to Wyoming Whiskey, a brand that we’ve previously written about on many occasions. At that altitude intense seasonal swings and thinner mountain air influence how barrels behave, and the whiskey matures.  That similarity matters.  Just like its neighbor to the north, Larado is demonstrating that altitude can play a quiet, yet powerful role in shaping a whiskey’s identity.

Founded by a family with a multigenerational background in agriculture, Larado leans into its roots. The grain for this whiskey is 100% Colorado-grown, and the water source is drawn from the nearby Cache la Poudre River.  There is no sourcing here; every part of the process—from mashing to distilling to bottling—happens on site.

Their Small Batch Wheat Whiskey uses a mashbill of 95% wheat and 5% malted barley.  It’s aged for six years and bottled at 100 proof.  That combination promises a whiskey with subtlety and softness.  And while it’s priced at $70, the true question is whether the flavor lives up to the story. Let’s take a look.

Larado Small Batch Wheat Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.3/5

The Nose delivers immediate appeal—soft vanilla and roasted nut aromas give way to chocolate and a decadent butterscotch tone. It’s rich, dessert-like, and easy to enjoy without ever tipping into artificial sweetness. This is the kind of Nose that invites you to slow down and smell the whiskey.

Palate – 3.9/5

The Palate opens with milk chocolate and a gentle cinnamon warmth. There’s a quiet roundness to the edges—nothing harsh or jarring, just smooth layers.  Still, it leans simple, without much evolution in the sip.

Finish – 3/5

The Finish is short and mild. A whisper of oak and a gentle fade of wheat linger briefly, but it doesn’t hold on long enough to leave a lasting impression. Clean and soft—but underwhelming.

Value – 3.5/5

At $70, Larado’s pricing lands in a competitive zone, particularly for a craft-distilled, bottled-in-house wheat whiskey with a six-year age statement.  While the flavor profile doesn’t break new ground, there’s merit in its ease of drinking.  That said, value-conscious buyers may hesitate unless they’re already fans of wheated whiskey or want to support a Colorado-grown product.

This bottle won’t make it to your top shelf, but it can easily find a place on your weeknight rotation. For those curious about what Colorado craft distillers are doing with wheat, Larado offers a solid entry point.

Larado Small Batch Wheat Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Larado Small Batch Wheat Whiskey delivers a pleasing, dessert-forward experience—especially on the Nose. It’s soft, easy-drinking, and showcases the potential of high-altitude wheat whiskey. However, the Palate and Finish don’t rise to the same level of distinction.

This bottle won’t make it to your top shelf, but it can easily find a place on your weeknight rotation. For those curious about what Colorado craft distillers are doing with wheat, Larado offers a solid entry point.

Verdict -3.7/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3