Al Laws isn’t trying to solve the West’s water crisis with whiskey but he works to spark conversation and fund change one bottle at a time.
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“Being in the Headwater State means we’re at the literal source of many rivers that nourish the West,” said Al Laws, founder of Denver-based Laws Whiskey House. “That gives us a responsibility and an opportunity to lead by example when it comes to protecting water. It’s a guiding principle in how we source our ingredients, run our production and build community partnerships. We’re rooted here and the health of these headwaters shapes everything we do.”
That idea is at the heart of the distillery’s Headwaters Series, an annual limited-edition whiskey line launched to raise awareness and money for water conservation in Colorado. The newest release, the Rio Grande Rye Edition, pays tribute to the Rio Grande River, which fuels farms across the San Luis Valley and was recently named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2025 by American Rivers.
“Water is essential not only to our whiskey-making process but to the communities and ecosystems that rely on these rivers,” Laws affirmed. “The Rio Grande Edition is our way of honoring the river that nourishes the grains we use and giving back to ensure its vitality for future generations.”
The whiskey, distilled from 100% heirloom rye grown on the Cody Family Farm and proofed with purified water from the Rio Grande, is a reflection of place and purpose.
“Water is fundamental at every step,” continued Laws. “From cooking the grain to fermentation and proofing. But beyond the process, the quality and source of that water directly influence the flavor and integrity of our whiskey. When you’re working with ingredients from specific regions like the San Luis Valley, honoring that water is also honoring the terroir and story of the place.”
“The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project is in the San Luis Valley and they understand the balance between ecological restoration, agricultural sustainability and community needs,” Laws stated. “Supporting them felt like the most direct way to give back to the region we depend on.”
The San Luis Valley has faced increasingly dire conditions in recent years with record-low aquifer levels and one of the lowest snowpacks on record in 2025. For Laws, that makes this mission especially urgent.
“It feels incredibly urgent,” he said. “We’re seeing firsthand the pressures of overuse, drought and climate change on this iconic river. That’s why this release isn’t just a tribute, it’s a call to act. We want to use our platform to draw attention to the Rio Grande’s fragility and the critical need for collective stewardship.”
The Rio Grande Rye is available exclusively at the Laws Whiskey Sanctuary in Denver for $84.99. It’s the second in the Headwaters Series, following 2024’s Colorado River Four Grain Bourbon which supported the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition.
Laws hopes each bottle starts a bigger conversation. “We hope it sparks conversation and connection,” he said. “That it helps people see the link between what’s in their glass and the ecosystems and communities behind it. If it inspires someone to get involved, donate or simply care more deeply about water conservation, then it’s done its job.”
How can you continue to support this mission? ”Start by learning about the watersheds that support your community and the challenges they face,” Laws said. “Support local conservation organizations. Volunteer, donate or simply spread awareness. We also encourage folks to connect directly with partners like the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project and the Rye Resurgence Project because every effort helps protect the future of these vital rivers and the farmers that grow our grain makes a difference.”
Laws sees agriculture, conservation and whiskey production as interconnected. “They’re all part of the same ecosystem,” he affirmed. “Healthy rivers support resilient farms. Sustainable farming creates better grain. And great whiskey starts with great grain. It’s a cycle, and when we invest in one part, we strengthen the whole. Our role is to be an active participant in that system, not just a consumer of its resources.”
His team is already making sustainability improvements behind the scenes. “On the production side, we’ve already made several upgrades to our distillery focused on reducing water usage and improving efficiency,” he said. “We’re also continually exploring innovative ways to move closer to a zero-waste operation, ensuring that all byproducts of our distilling process are reused or repurposed.”
While the Headwaters Series will continue to spotlight new rivers each year, Laws said his focus is on long-term impact. “Water stewardship isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a long-term commitment that shapes how we grow, create and give back,” he noted.
For consumers, this means drinking with more intention and supporting brands that value the same. “Follow and support organizations like the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project and Rye Resurgence Project,” Laws said. “Stay curious about where your whiskey and your water comes from. And when possible, choose to support brands and producers who are investing in sustainability. Small actions can add up to big change.”
Laws Whiskey House is located at 80 W Arkansas Ave., Denver. Its hours are Tuesday 3 – 8 p.m., Wednesday – Thursday 2 – 8 p.m., Friday 1 – 10 p.m., Saturday 12 – 10 p.m., Sunday 12 – 7 p.m. and closed Monday
All photography courtesy of Laws Whiskey House