What Tincup Whiskey does

Tincup Whiskey is an American whiskey brand operating as a dba of Proximo Spirits, Inc., headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Founded by distiller Jess Graber, who has been distilling since 1972, the brand was created in honor of Tin Cup, Colorado, an old mining town whose miners drank whiskey from tin cups — a heritage that inspired the signature tin cup bottle cap. TINCUP produces a portfolio of American whiskeys including Original (a high-rye bourbon married with Colorado single malt), Straight Rye, Bourbon (4-year), 10 Year Bourbon, 6 Year American Whiskey, and limited-edition FOURTEENER Bourbons aged 14 years. All products use Rocky Mountain water and are aged in charred American white oak barrels. The company also markets the Adventure Pack, a double-walled stainless steel canteen SKU, and the TINPUP sub-brand focused on dog owners.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store at shop.tincupwhiskey.com, with orders fulfilled by licensed third-party retailers, alongside wholesale distribution through Proximo's three-tier network. Pricing spans $26.99 for entry bourbon to $75.99 for premium FOURTEENER, with bundle SKUs combining whiskey with branded accessories (carabiner mugs, mountain tumblers, dog gear) reaching $103. The brand does not ship to 12 US states due to alcohol shipping regulations. TINCUP's go-to-market is built around outdoor adventure lifestyle marketing, with a brand ambassador program (TEAM TINCUP), strategic partnerships with outdoor conservation organizations (Leave No Trace, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Coastal Conservation Association, National Disaster Search Dog Foundation), and co-marketing collaborations with lifestyle brands including Teton Gravity Research, Alpine Start, and AFTCO.

Name

Tincup Whiskey

Legal name

Proximo Spirits, Inc.

Website

https://tincupwhiskey.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tincup Whiskey is a Denver-based American whiskey brand and dba of Proximo Spirits, selling high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey to outdoor adventure enthusiasts through DTC e-commerce and licensed retail distribution, with a signature tin cup cap bottle and outdoor-lifestyle branding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

American Whiskey / Bourbon / Rye Spirits

NAICS

Distilleries (312140)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Cocktail Mixes & Alcoholic Beverage Bases (non-alcoholic mixers, RTD spirit bases) (AFAFAGAH)

Keywords

• American whiskey products
• Bourbon whiskey brand
• Straight rye whiskey
• Outdoor lifestyle spirits
• Whiskey gift bundles

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer Whiskey Sales: Online sales of whiskey products through shop.tincupwhiskey.com. Orders fulfilled by licensed third-party retailers. Free shipping on orders over $150.
2. Merchandise and Apparel: Sale of branded apparel, gear, and accessories including Carabiner Mugs, Mountain Tumblers, dog accessories, and bundles combining whiskey with branded merchandise.
3. Bundles and Gift Sets: Bundled products combining whiskey with accessories, instant cocktail mixers, and outdoor gear at various price points.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

TINCUP Whiskey produces and sells a portfolio of American whiskeys — straight bourbon, high-rye bourbon, and straight rye — aged in charred American white oak barrels and cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water, including core expressions and limited editions (e.g., Fourteener). The brand sells these whiskeys direct-to-consumer via its online store and through licensed U.S. retailers, complemented by branded drinkware (Carabiner Mug, Mountain Tumbler, stainless steel Adventure Pack), apparel, dog accessories, themed bundles, and Alpine Start co-developed instant cocktail mixers.

Product overview

Tincup Whiskey is a Colorado-based whiskey brand offering a portfolio of American whiskeys and bourbons, including core products (Original, 6 Year, 10 Year, Straight Rye, FOURTEENER limited editions, and Adventure Pack stainless steel canteens), bundled gift sets combining whiskey with drinkware and accessories, and the TINPUP dog-lover sub-brand. The products are distributed through their e-commerce store, emphasizing the outdoor adventure lifestyle. Core whiskeys are aged in charred American white oak barrels and cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water. The brand partners with outdoor organizations and athletes, and offers instant cocktail mixers in collaboration with Alpine Start.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TINPUP: The unofficial whiskey of dog lovers - a sub-brand celebrating and supporting dogs and their human adventurers with merchandise and partnerships with organizations like the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Products and services

• TINCUP 6 Year American Whiskey Elevated American whiskey marrying high-rye straight bourbon and American single malt, aged a minimum of 6 years in charred oak barrels and cut with Rocky Mountain water. Marketed to whiskey drinkers seeking a more mature age-statement expression.
• TINCUP Bourbon Straight bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of 4 years in new white American oak barrels and cut with Rocky Mountain water; sweet, smooth, clean finish, intended for sipping straight or in classic bourbon cocktails. Available in 750ml and 1.75L (40% ABV / 80 proof).
• TINCUP FOURTEENER Bourbon (Mount Sneffels Release No. 3) TINCUP's oldest bourbon, aged fourteen years in new white American oak barrels and cut with Eldorado Spring water, sold with limited-edition packaging honoring Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks; each yearly release supports the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative.
• TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon Straight bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of 10 years in American oak barrels and cut with Rocky Mountain water, bottled at 5,251 ft elevation; positioned as a premium age-statement bourbon for whiskey enthusiasts.
• TINCUP Original Whiskey Marriage of high-rye straight bourbon and Colorado single malt, cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water; the brand's signature flagship expression tied to its Colorado mountain heritage.
• TINCUP Straight Rye 90-proof straight rye whiskey distilled and aged for three years, cut to proof with pure Rocky Mountain water; positioned as a bold rye celebrating original settler and miner rye recipes from Tin Cup, Colorado.
• TINCUP Adventure Pack Double-walled, reusable, stainless steel canteen filled with TINCUP Original Mountain Whiskey; hexagon shape prevents rolling and signature tin cup cap is retained; sold as a 2-pack for outdoor use.
• TINCUP x Alpine Start Instant Cocktail Mixers Packable, portable instant cocktail mixer packs (Hot Toddy, Spiked Cider, Old Fashioned) co-developed with Alpine Start and Matt Segal; each pack yields five single-serving cocktails when combined with TINCUP whiskey and water.
• TINCUP Carabiner Mug Branded drinkware with an integrated carabiner clip for attaching to backpacks or belt loops, designed to enable drinking whiskey on outdoor adventures without separate glassware.
• TINCUP Mountain Tumbler (set of 2) Glass tumblers with a sturdy base and mountain-landscape design, sold in sets of two for sipping whiskey around the campfire; positioned as premium drinkware for outdoor and backyard use.
• Autumn Nights Bundle Cocktail kit bundling TINCUP Bourbon with TINCUP x Alpine Start Spiked Cider Instant Cocktail Mixer and two Carabiner Mugs, marketed as a fall-weather cocktail set.
• The View for Two Two-person bundle featuring two TINCUP Carabiner Mugs for sharing whiskey after a day on the trail, including product information on TINCUP Bourbon (42% ABV / 84 proof).
• The Day Hiker Starter bundle pairing a TINCUP Carabiner Mug with introductory TINCUP whiskey, targeted at consumers new to the brand.
• Hook, Line, & Savor TINCUP x AFTCO exclusive fishing-themed bundle combining a fishing mask, two Carabiner Mugs, and a 750ml bottle of TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon, targeted at anglers.
• The Backcountry Bundle Outdoor bundle combining two TINCUP Adventure Pack 375ml stainless steel bottles with a Carabiner Mug, marketed to high-altitude hikers and backcountry users.
• Dog Lover's Bundle TINPUP-aligned bundle combining a bottle of TINCUP Bourbon with a Dog Frisbee Rope Toss Toy, Zippered Foldable Travel Dog Bowl, and Trail Leash & Collar set for dog-owning outdoor enthusiasts.
• The Sip n' Clip Two-item bundle pairing a 750ml bottle of TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon with a Carabiner Mug for portable outdoor drinking.
• The Backyard Bundle Backyard cocktail bundle combining a 750ml bottle of TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon with a set of two Mountain Tumbler glasses, marketed for campfire and outdoor entertaining.
• Adventure Pack x Instant Cocktail Mixer Set Outdoor celebration bundle combining two TINCUP Adventure Pack 375ml bottles with TINCUP x Alpine Start Instant Cocktail Mixers (Hot Toddy, Spiked Cider, Old Fashioned).
• TINPUP Dog Frisbee Rope Toss Toy Climbing-rope dog frisbee built for rugged play; part of the TINPUP product line for dog owners who recreate outdoors with their pets.
• TINPUP Zippered Foldable Travel Dog Bowl Collapsible, zippered travel dog bowl with waterproof, machine-washable liner, marketed for trail snacks and water breaks on the go.
• TINPUP Trail Leash & Collar Smell-proof, durable trail leash and adjustable collar (Small, Medium, Large) sold as a set, designed for outdoor use with dogs.
• TINCUP x TGR Limited Collection Limited co-branded merchandise and product collaboration with Teton Gravity Research (TGR) featuring adventure-themed apparel and gear tied to mountain sports.

Quantifiable outcome

• Men's Health named Tincup Top 12 Bourbon of 2018
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• National Disaster Search Dog FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTINCUP supports the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, which trains disaster rescue dogs for relief missions across the country. The partnership is highlighted through the TINPUP brand extension celebrating dogs as outdoor adventure companions.
• Colorado Fourteeners InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFI protects and preserves Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education. TINCUP Fourteener Bourbon specifically supports CFI, with each yearly release featuring limited edition packaging honoring a Colorado 14er.
• Coastal Conservation AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCA's mission is to educate the public on conservation of marine resources and conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources.
• Leave No TracecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeave No Trace is an outdoor ethics organization focused on protecting the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly. TINCUP partners with LNT on their mission to inspire profound experiences in the great outdoors.
• Teton Gravity ResearchcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTeton Gravity Research is an outdoor media company producing adventure content. TINCUP has partnered with TGR for the TINCUP x TGR limited collection and joint marketing efforts.
• Alpine StartcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlpine Start is a gourmet instant beverage company founded by Matt Segal. TINCUP partnered with Alpine Start to develop instant cocktail mixer products including Hot Toddy, Spiked Cider, and Old Fashioned varieties.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Knob Creek: Beam Suntory-owned premium small-batch bourbon with aged expressions (9, 12, 15 year) in overlapping price tiers. Established incumbent that competes for the same premium-aged bourbon consumer.
• Four Roses Bourbon: Established Kentucky bourbon brand with award-winning portfolio of single-barrel and small-batch expressions. Comparable in quality awards and craft heritage, but with much larger distribution footprint.
• Woodford Reserve: Brown-Forman-owned premium Kentucky bourbon with strong hospitality and tourism positioning. Competes at the premium tier with broader distribution and well-funded marketing programs.
• Bulleit Bourbon: High-rye frontier-style bourbon brand owned by Diageo with similar mash bill philosophy and accessible premium price points. Competes broadly in the same on-premise and retail channels as Tincup, but with significantly larger distribution and marketing scale.

Direct peers

• Wilderness Trail Distillery: Kentucky-based craft bourbon and rye producer with strong pedigree (co-founded by Master Distillers with Heaven Hill heritage). Comparable premium craft positioning with focus on aged expressions.
• Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey: Denver-based craft American single malt whiskey brand with similar mountain heritage narrative and craft positioning. Competes head-to-head in the Colorado craft whiskey category and shares a similar premium price band.
• WhistlePig Whiskey: Vermont-based premium rye whiskey brand with strong lifestyle/adventure branding, farm-to-bottle narrative, and premium aged expressions. Closely comparable in product mix (high-rye focus), price points, and lifestyle-led marketing approach.
• Breckenridge Distillery: Colorado-based craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and other spirits with strong outdoor/mountain lifestyle branding and a hospitality/visitor center. Direct competitor for outdoor-adventure-positioned whiskey consumers in Colorado and across the US.
• Laws Whiskey House: Denver-based grain-to-glass whiskey producer operating on a Colorado farm, with bourbon and rye offerings in the premium price band. Direct geographic and product-set competitor.

Emerging players

• FEW Spirits: Chicago-based craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and gin with distinctive urban-meets-adventure branding. Comparable in craft scale and DTC focus, with a similarly differentiated non-traditional brand story.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tincupwhiskey
• Facebookfacebook.com/tincupwhiskey
• Instagraminstagram.com/tincupwhiskey
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tincup-whiskey-denver-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tincup Whiskey