Omayra Acevedo, Rollinsville. A folk tale is defined as a story originating in popular culture, typically passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth. Some folk tales are about magical beings like faeries, elves, dragons, wizards and witches. Others have become more like fables than folk tales. This one, however, is no ordinary folk tale. This is the story of two people with one big dream.
Deep in the Rocky Mountains, at over 8,000 feet above sea level, tucked away in the Roosevelt National Forest of Rollinsville, Colorado, lives the rich history of The Gold Dirt Mine. Mining history reveals that it was one of the largest gold lodes to have been mined in the area. It was also once the name of a town. But this is not why I want to talk about Gold Dirt. The reasons for my willingness to share this story with you today, stems from my personal appreciation of hard work and my profound desire to find beauty and inspiration anywhere I can.
Roughly two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who is in the midst of seeing his vision come to fruition. Our meeting was brief, but it didn’t take long for me to notice the immense amount of passion at work. I learned that he grew up in the Western Suburbs, attended the University of Kentucky and was captivated by the bourbon culture. During his time in Kentucky, he began learning about spirits, its history, science and production process.
While working in the automotive profession (where he met his wife), after graduating college, his - as he puts it - half artistic and scientific experimentation with beverage alcohol accelerated. Risking the security they had with their careers in the auto industry, they went in search of a dream. They drove all over the country looking for the perfect location to start their own business and raise their children. When the finances proved that they could make the move, they found themselves in Colorado.
Upon their arrival, the matriarch worked at a robotic toy company in Boulder to support the family. In the meantime, the construction of a dream began. I’ve owned my own business in the past, so I can confidently tell you that the blood, sweat and tears never end, but are the hardest at the beginning. With compromise, support and doing what it takes to make ends meet, they’ve managed to brilliantly execute their ideas, thoughts and wishes. The quintessential definition of team work.
At the moment, you can witness for yourself the beginning results of their efforts at the Gold Dirt Distillery tasting room in Rollinsville. Soon, however, you will be able to visit what is going to be the newly remodeled Stage Stop. It will include a production distillery, a full bar, food, entertainment and a family friendly atmosphere where all members of the community as well as tourists will always be welcomed.
Their hope is not just to build a distillery, but to offer everyone a go-to option; a home away from home. They want to be known for their creative, thoughtfully-crafted, high-quality spirits. Are you getting excited yet? I definitely am! I don’t drink every day, but when I do, I sure do enjoy a whiskey or scotch neat. I hope they plan on offering bottled spirits.
C.S. Lewis once said: You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. It’s no secret that dreams do come true. As long as you are willing to put in a lot of hard work, stay determined, accept support, allow yourself to get beat down and get back up again, embrace the love and passion you receive from family, friends and even strangers, anything is possible. I’m thrilled and curious as to what will happen next and when, but all good things are worth waiting for. Don’t take it from me, just ask any successful person.
Jobs, relationships, friendships, health, commitment, choices, changes, etc. are never easy. Nothing is. It’s the only reminder I can offer you. I can also tell you, from experience, that destinies are created more than they are simply given. Listen to your gut and it will never fail you. When one has a calling for something in life, it’s difficult to ignore when the hunger for that calling takes over. Meet Judd and Chrissy Kaufman, the owners, creators and dreamers of the Gold Dirt Distillery.
For more information go to http://golddirtdistillery.com/. Gold Dirt Distillery, 275 Tolland Rd, Unit A, Rollinsville, CO 80474. Hours (for now): Saturdays 3 p.m. – Close.
(Originally published in the February 20, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
