When distiller couple Connie Baker and Carey Shanks were raising funding for their hybrid distiller-inn in Colorado, certain investors reportedly questioned the concept. Brewery hotels from the likes of Dogfish Head and Stone Brewing are ascendant, and many Old World wineries historically offered lodging. Standalone spirits labels, however, rarely invite guests behind closed doors — let alone the chance to spend the night.
Luckily for anyone who has ever enjoyed a nightcap and thought, “Man, am I tired,” Baker and Shanks realized their vision. Marble Distillery Co. and Distillery Inn debuted in Carbondale, Colorado in 2015. Now, five wildly chic guest rooms sit above stills producing six spirits (the seventh, Hoover’s Revenge Fightin’ Whiskey, is forthcoming). And the entire operation just so happens to produce zero waste.
Baker told VinePair she worked closely with Roger Boulton, PhD, a chemical engineering professor at UC Davis, to create Marble’s waste management program.
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Marble recycles 100 percent of its process water and uses energy harvested during distillation to heat the inn. Baker estimates her ecological investment has a 10-year return; after a decade in business, such sustainable initiatives will pay for themselves.
Distillery Inn’s five guest rooms all have fireplaces, Fili D’Oro linens, and private patios or balconies overlooking the Rockies’ hulking Mount Sopris.
Guest baths feature organic toiletries from local labels and the occasional pearly slab of Yule Quarry Marble, the same material Marble uses to distill.
The on-site Marble Bar hosts events and serves Marble’s line, which includes vodka and rye made with Colorado-grown wheat and barley, as well as liqueurs made with dark-roasted coffee and ginger.
Marble is currently aging a young bourbon and whiskey.
Grains for all spirits are sourced locally, and the company sends all stillage to Carbondale ranchers.
Marble reports its sustainability measures reuse enough energy to heat 20 homes, and save more than 4 million gallons of water per year.