CELEBRATING COLORADO’S VITAL RIVERS
The Headwaters Series whiskey release is a commitment to raising awareness about the importance of water sustainability and supporting efforts to conserve Colorado’s vital rivers. Through our philanthropic initiatives and dedication to adopting sustainable practices, we aim to contribute positively to the conservation of water resources for future generations one drop at a time.
Colorado, known as the “Headwater State,” boasts eight major river basins originating within its borders. These rivers supply water to Coloradans, 18 other states, and Mexico, with their sources stemming from precipitation in the Rocky Mountains. Given the critical importance of water resources to Colorado and the Western United States, Laws Whiskey House is committed to water sustainability through adopting best practices and supporting conservation efforts.
Water is a critical and influential input in the production of whiskey throughout the entire process, whether it be in the mashing/cooking of grain, proofing of unaged spirit in the barrel, or preparation for the final ABV to highlight that perfect expression.
While we understand that whiskey alone cannot resolve the complex issues surrounding water sustainability, we do believe that each incremental action, however small, can play a role in helping solve the challenges faced. We are dedicated to playing our part in addressing them.
Our Headwaters Series is more than just a great whiskey release—it’s a call to action. The 2025 Headwaters Series, The Rio Grande Edition, is dedicated to protecting and conserving the Rio Grande River.
For this release, we chose our San Luis Valley Rye, proofed down with purified water from the Rio Grande—the very water that nourishes the Colorado-grown grains we use. Laws wheat, rye, and barley all come from the San Luis Valley.
10% of proceeds from this bottle go directly to organizations working to restore and protect the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado—supporting better water quality, healthy agricultural use, riparian restoration, and habitats for wildlife and aquatic species.
The Lower Rio Grande was just named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2025. The entire Rio Grande is an icon of the West and the lifeblood of the American Southwest, providing water to more than 6 million people.
Here in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, the river supports everything—people, wildlife, and the land itself. It flows through the Rio Grande National Forest, three National Wildlife Refuges, and thousands of acres of private farmland. It’s home to both well-known and lesser-known species, from the Rio Grande cutthroat trout to migrating Sandhill Cranes. Over 250 bird species can be found in Great Sand Dunes National Park alone.
This year’s Headwaters Series release, The Rio Grande Edition, is especially meaningful to us because this river plays a vital role in the place where our grain is grown. Our wheat, rye, and barley are all cultivated in the San Luis Valley—a high-altitude, high-desert environment unlike anywhere else.
Out here, water is everything. It’s what keeps the farms going, the crops thriving, and our community rooted. This whiskey is our way of honoring that, and giving back to the source.
Our first release in this limited series is dedicated to the Colorado River. Ten percent of proceeds from this release is donated to an organization directly benefitting the Shoshone Water Right Preservation.
The Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition & Campaign represents a diverse group of stakeholders working toward permanent protection of the historic Shoshone Water Right – the largest and most senior non-consumptive water right on the Colorado River. Commanding up to 1.02 million acre-feet of water per year, preserving Shoshone flows in perpetuity is a generational investment in Colorado’s water security with myriad benefits upstream and downstream for Colorado’s environment, economy, communities, and water users across the state.
Shoshone Water Right Preservation is the durable solution Colorado needs to ensure future generations thrive in a hotter, drier future.
The Colorado River has been recognized as America’s Most Endangered River by American Rivers seven times—most recently in 2024. It stands as a vital lifeline, nourishing ecosystems, sustaining communities, and powering economies across the American Southwest. Its waters quench the thirst of millions, irrigate crops, and generate hydroelectric power that’s crucial for regional development.
Beyond its immediate utility, the river represents something deeper—a symbol of natural beauty, resilience, and heritage. Its awe-inspiring canyons and landscapes draw millions of visitors every year.
Yet, the Colorado River faces mounting threats from overuse, pollution, and droughts intensified by climate change. Protecting this precious resource is essential—not only to meet today’s needs, but to ensure future generations inherit a river that’s alive, thriving, and capable of sustaining life across the West.
AMERICANRIVERS.ORG- Colorado River Report
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At our core, we believe that business can and should play a role in addressing environmental challenges. This belief drives our dedication to creating not only exceptional products but also fostering positive change. By choosing our Headwaters Series, you are joining us in supporting vital conservation efforts.
Water Resource Management and Conservation at Laws
In 2020, Laws underwent a significant expansion of our production facility, providing us with the opportunity to rebuild and enhance our equipment in a conscientious manner aimed at reducing water and energy consumption. As part of this initiative, we installed a large chilled water tank for cooling purposes throughout the plant. The water from this tank is then returned as hot water, serving as preheated strike water for our cookers and for various cleaning tasks. By capturing and reusing this water, we effectively decrease our water usage and minimize the energy required for heating.
Industry Leading Innovations
One of our most exciting past initiatives was a partnership with the local wastewater facility, South Platte Renew. Through this collaboration, our liquid waste stream was used to extract nitrogen from the human waste processed at the plant, helping to reduce the mineral content in the reclaimed water discharged into the Platte River.
The program operated in a pilot phase for over four years, during which we observed consistently positive results. Those findings were submitted for final approval, marking a significant milestone in sustainable waste management.
This innovative approach allowed us to transform the natural byproducts of our operations into a powerful tool for environmental stewardship—eliminating the need for traditional liquid waste disposal. Our liquid stillage, heads, tails, and cleaning chemicals were all integrated into the project.
As we continue to lead in sustainable distilling, we’re constantly exploring new, creative ways to innovate and elevate our environmental impact.
Resources & Press
 | 8 Eco-Conscious Colorado Brands to Support This Earth Day | READ MORE |
 | These Rocky Mountain Distilleries are Raising Funds to Help Preserve Iconic Landscapes and the Nonprofits That Protect Them | READ MORE |
 | How a rye revival in the San Luis Valley could save its soil and keep farms from turning to dust | READ MORE |
 | EDITOR’S TOP PICK: SUSTAINABILITY | READ MORE |
 | Laws Whiskey House is Promoting Water Conservation in Colorado | READ MORE |
 | Laws Whiskey House Champions Colorado River with Headwaters Series Bourbon | READ MORE |
 | Distillery turns to Colorado River for ‘distinctly Colorado whiskey‘ | READ MORE |
 | Distilleries Are Innovating to Save Water in Drought-Stricken Areas | READ MORE |
 | Raising a Toast to Native Fish | READ MORE |
 | Renewing water for Colorado’s future | READ MORE |
 | Conservation Through Recreation | READ MORE |
