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In Brief: W Aspen whiskey club; pilates and yoga for Maui

Staff report

W Aspen launches whiskey club

In celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, W Aspen is thrilled to launch The Spring & Dean Single Barrel Club, which offers its members access to exclusive, single-barrel bottles, specialty pricing on select pours, complimentary access to events, and a preferred room-rate at W Aspen.

This September, bourbon lovers will come together as W Aspen, in collaboration with Last Distillers, hosts its first members-only tasting event benefiting Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club and AspenOUT. 

Named after the intersection of two of Aspen’s most iconic streets, The Spring & Dean Single Barrel Club offers two membership tiers: 



  • At $150 per year, the Premium membership offers the most benefits, which includes a choice of one single barrel bottle per year from W Aspen’s collection, advance ticket sales, and specialty pricing on members-only events and experiences, 20% off pours of all single barrels, special members bottle pricing, preferred room rate at W Aspen, and quarterly news about upcoming barrel options. The collection includes Weller Full Proof, Stagg Jr, Heaven’s Door 7yr Single Barrel, Barrell Bourbon 8yr Old, and Ry3, to name a few.  
  • The Base membership is complimentary and includes access to members-only events and experiences, 10% off pours of all single barrels, special members bottle pricing, and quarterly news about upcoming barrel options. 

On Sept. 9, W Aspen will host Last Drop Distillers for an intimate VIP tasting experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the brand’s Drew Mayville Blend Bourbon, which will become part of the hotel’s robust collection.

W Aspen’s goal is to support local and national initiatives through exciting programming such as the First Annual Bourbon Heritage Month Tasting on Sept. 10, which benefits Aspen Valley Ski Club and AspenOut as well as the Second Annual Spirit of Agave Fest, which supports LatinX House and Raizado Festival. 




To sign up for The Spring & Dean Single Barrel Club, contact waspenbfmanagers@marriott.com

Pilates and yoga fundraiser for Maui

On Sept. 10 from 10-11 a.m. at Mollie Gibson Park, Tonic Method and O2 Aspen are teaming up to offer a donation-based pilates and yoga class to raise funds for those affected by wildfires in Maui.

The class will feature 30 minutes of high-intensity pilates with Nancy Rosett followed by 30 minutes of yoga with Morgan Brown.

Check in begins at 9:30 a.m. Those who are interested can use the Tonic Method or O2 app to sign up. The class is free, but a $40 donation is suggested.

North Star Nature Preserve construction

Construction work at the North Star Nature Preserve takeout adjacent to the Stillwater pedestrian bridge will began on Tuesday. The takeout will be closed to use; river paddlers must take out South Gate, located farther upstream. South Gate is also the recommended launch site, given low-water flows on the Roaring Fork. River users may paddle up- or downstream from South Gate and then return to South Gate to take out. East of Aspen Trail traffic will be detoured around the work zone. The project is expected to continue through Sept. 15. 

AspenMass Trail bridge remains open

The AspenMass Trail pedestrian/bike bridge at the bottom of Smith Hill Way remains open to use during the closure of the adjacent vehicular bridge. The vehicle bridge is scheduled to be closed Sept. 5-14 for repaving. The AspenMass Trail links the Brush Creek Park & Ride to McLain Flats Road. Jaffee Park access remains open via McLain Flats Road.

Ute Mountaineer hosts 2023 Golden Leaf Half Marathon

Ute Mountaineer and the City of Aspen will hold the Golden Leaf Half Marathon race, taking place from Snowmass Village to Aspen on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The Golden Leaf Half Marathon is a 13.3 mile backcountry trail running race from Snowmass Village to Aspen on mountain trails and roads. This will be the 43rd year the Ute Mountaineer holds the race.

The 2023 race will be presented by Adidas Terrex with additional support from Darn Tough Socks and Skratch Labs. The sold out race will have over 750 racers participate. Racers will enjoy the stunning scenery along the course, a prize giveaway, and lunch provided by Slow Groovin BBQ.

The Golden Leaf Half Marathon is Ute Mountaineer’s signature Summer race event. The Golden Leaf’s sister Winter event, America’s Uphill, will take place in March 2024 on Aspen Mountain. America’s Uphill race information and registration will be available on utemountaineer.com later this year.

Aspen Institute announces fall 2023 programming

The Aspen Institute announced its lineup of public programs this fall taking place in person on its Aspen Meadows campus in Aspen. Programs include a Hurst Lecture Series event featuring Walter Isaacson on his new book, “Elon Musk.”

“Our year-round community programs offer locals the opportunity to learn from one another, gain understanding on various perspectives, and discuss timely issues in a moderated and civil environment,” noted Cristal Logan, vice president, Aspen Community Programs and Engagement. “These affordable and accessible programs are a great way to meet others in the valley-wide community and contribute to life-long learning.”

Registration is open for all fall programs and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions in each series. More at aspeninstitute.org/community, and scholarships are available to anyone in need of financial assistance.