Embracing adventure in everything we do
OUR MISSION
Valor Peak Distillery exists to build community, foster connections, and celebrate life through high-quality crafted spirits. We believe in the power of stories, and every bottle we produce embodies the spirit of adventure, tradition, and excellence.
meet Our Team
John Humphrey - Owner
John Humphrey is a Colorado native and a 20-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran. After graduating from Columbine High School in 1991, he stepped straight into service as a CH-53 helicopter engine mechanic. His military journey spanned the globe, including three combat tours in Iraq, a WestPac deployment aboard the USS Tarawa, a UDP to Okinawa, Japan, and a memorable three-year recruiting tour in Billings, Montana. An outdoorsman at heart. John couples a deep background in aviation with a lifelong love for camping, hunting, fishing, and mountain terrain.
Following his military retirement, he transitioned his technical and leadership expertise into a successful career as an independent contractor in the energy sector. Based in beautiful Temecula, California, John has been happily married for 31 years, is a proud father of three, and is currently celebrating the growth of his family as they welcome their sixth grandchild.
He brewed his very first beer as a teenager and was immediately hooked. Fifteen years ago, that hobby evolved into a deep obsession with homebrewing and distilling. For as long as he can remember, he’s dreamed of owning his own brewery and distillery. To him, there is nothing better than gathering with friends and happy people, sharing a drink, and talking about a brew or spirit he crafted with his own hands.
Today, that dream is taking shape as Valor Peak, but it's bigger than just him. His vision is to build a fully self-sufficient, top-tier craft distillery designed on the principles of shared success, where every single employee has real opportunities and a stake in our success. His mission is simple: to share the spirit of Valor Peak with every corner of the country, growing this from a backyard dream into a legacy.
Collin Richardson - Head Distiller
Born and raised in Colorado, Collin grew up cheering for the Broncos and the Rockies. Seeking adventure, he joined the Air Force, hoping to explore the world—but along the way, he discovered a passion for whiskey. After a few years of service and a lifetime of new friendships, he found himself back in Colorado, starting fresh.
A stint as a budtender introduced him to the world of craft industries, but it was a role in production at a local distillery that truly set his path. With dedication and curiosity, he worked his way up to become a distiller, refining his craft and blending spirits with precision. Today, he channels that passion into creating exceptional whiskeys, always in pursuit of delivering a memorable experience for enthusiasts.
dae dallas - distillery operations manager
Dae’s journey into the world of spirits began with learning the art of moonshining long before she pursued Fermentation Sciences and Chemistry at CSU Fort Collins. Her passion for whiskey led her to an internship in distillation, where she immersed herself in the craft, refining her skills and deepening her appreciation for the process.
Now, she is dedicated to creating quality spirits that embody the spirit of the West—bold, refined, and full of character. To Dae, whiskey is more than just a drink; it’s a lifestyle, a way to bring people together, and a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship. Because in her eyes, making something beautiful is the best way to give back to the world—and a life spent crafting beautiful things is a beautiful life to live.
MIKEY SAHM -
diRECTOR OF REVENUE
DAN CRAWFORD - SALES
Originally from New Jersey, Dan moved to Colorado Springs in 2008. He has 9 years of experience in the liquor industry and worked as a buying manager for several years prior to joining the Valor Peak sales team. He has a passion for craft and local spirits. When he's not selling, you can find him attending metal concerts, playing video games, and watching horror movies with his girlfriend and two cats.
Sage blackLOCK - bar manager/event coordinator
Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Sage moved to Colorado in 2021 with the dream of connecting more intimately with the outdoors. She instantly fell in love with Longmont and has found mixology to be the perfect outlet for cultivating community. Sage has made it her mission to foster a safe third space in Valor Peak, utilizing creativity, shared craft, storytelling, and collaboration to build lasting memories and relationships with her patrons.
ken Olson - mixologist
Navy veteran and Longmont native, Kenneth has found craft spirits to be the perfect way to combine his passions for creativity and connecting with his community. Ken loves gardening, yoga, and studying history. He would love to tell you all about his thesis while serving you one of his “secret menu” concoctions.
laxman Adhikari - mixologist
Born and raised in Nepal, Laxman has always had a natural affinity for mountains and their culture. After making Colorado his home away from home, he found his passion blending his mountain spirit with whiskey. He seeks to explore his creativity by sharing his knowledge and experience with whiskey and craft cocktails, and to build connections and friendships among the community here in Longmont.
