For Christian Avignon, the Rocky Mountains aren't just his home—they're his legacy. Decades before Christian was even born, his grandfather was the one falling in love with the snowy slopes and craggy peaks as he trained with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. When the war ended, Christian's grandfather and many of his fellow soldiers returned to the rocky mountainsides of Colorado and settled in what is now the bustling ski village of Vail, Colorado.

With a little encouragement from his grandfather, Christian, too, eventually settled in Vail and teamed with up with local restauranteur Ryan Thompson to create what is now the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company. They hoped to both honor the men who fought with the 10th Mountain Division and embrace the outdoorsy lifestyle that they enjoyed. As a result, the pair brewed up a mountain-inspired whiskey and began selling it in Vail. Today, visitors can stop by the 10th Mountain's distillery for a taste of their signature whiskey or a sample of their other spirits such as vodka and moonshine.