(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A well-known distiller in Colorado Springs is shutting down after being in business for six years. The owner cites increased beer and wine sales in Colorado Grocery stores as the main reason for the closure.

1350 Distilling is one of those places you never forget.

“When I opened it, it was it was kind of like a dream come true,” said Phillip Bragg, Co-Founder and Head Distiller of 1350 Distilling.

It all started as a dream for Bragg, opening 1350 Distilling back in 2019. But after all the hardship and pressure they endured, he poured one last drink for community members in Colorado Springs.

“It was heartbreaking,” said Bragg.

He added that the closure was not a surprise and happened over time.

He says some of the reasons were the impacts from COVID and the recent bill allowing more grocery stores to sell beer and wine. The bar also dedicated much of its resources to honoring the nation’s military.

“It’s important to support locally. Because my dollars, our dollars, should remain in the community. Because if they don’t remain in the community, the community loses its identity,” said Sean Cole, a customer who has been going to the distillery before their doors even opened.

On Sunday, friends and family gathered to remember all the happy hours.

“My best memory was when I turned on the still and ran my first batch, and it actually tasted good. So, it’s a very daunting task when you’re going to create something that’s never been created before,” said Bragg.

One couple even got married at the distillery last year, and they spent the day saying goodbye and remembering when they said, “I do.”

“It was just so heartwarming, it’s very bittersweet… But it’s kind of sad right before our second-year anniversary, they’re closing, so we had to come and say goodbye,” said David Beneake and his wife, Lynda Cink.

Despite the somber day, they raised a glass to the end of a good fight.

“Kudos to them for keeping the fight up for the past five years, five years, pushing, fighting, pushing, fighting,” said Beneake.

As for Bragg, he’s excited to begin a new adventure after a long career serving both our country and community.

“It’s just the nature of the economy, I guess. But we’re happy to be here, we’re happy to know them. Great memories,” said Beneake.

The distillery is selling almost everything inside the bar. If you are interested in purchasing any of their furniture or one of their last bottles, click on the link above.