Safe House Distilling Co.

Local Hero: Beverage Artisan, Spirits

An interview with Chris Leurig, Master Distiller 
Photos by Stephanie Cameron

Chris Leurig, Safe House’s master distiller, oversees all distilling activities, manages staff and product development, and designs and engineers all equipment. Leurig also mentors others who are interested in becoming distillers themselves, a role about which he is passionate since returning to the Land of Enchantment. He began distilling in Lewisville, Texas, where he led operations and a production team for mashing, distilling, barreling, and bottling spirits, including whiskey, rum, agave, gin, and brandy. In 2018 he brought his talents back to Albuquerque to found Safe House Distilling Co. The company’s name grew from the building’s former tenants, a financial business. Safe House spirits and canned cocktails are available throughout New Mexico. Outside of work, Leurig can be found snowboarding, building Legos, and trying new whiskeys.

What led you into the world of spirits?

My interest in distilling and spirits started when I was in college, witnessing the booming craft beer scene in Albuquerque, like La Cumbre and Marble. I appreciated the art each brewer put into their work. Although I love craft beer, I had more of a passion for spirits. After I graduated from the University of New Mexico, I relocated to North Dallas to work at Witherspoon Distillery, where I learned the art of distilling. I always knew I wanted to bring this art back to New Mexico, so I was thrilled when this opportunity to start my own distillery in Albuquerque presented itself.

Not to read too much into a name, but what makes Lock Pick a high-desert gin? 

Lock Pick gin encompasses the true definition of a high-desert gin, perfectly named for our Albuquerque climate. This small-batch craft gin is made in handmade alembic stills from Portugal. The name Lock Pick reinforces our banking theme for all of our spirits. 

One of four medals awarded to Safe House in the 2022 American Craft Spirits Awards was for your Teller Blueberry Lavender Lemonade canned cocktail. Why canned cocktails, and how does the process of developing one differ from developing a straight vodka or gin? 

Although nothing is better than a craft cocktail from your favorite local bartender, canned craft cocktails offer a simple and accessible option for customers to enjoy their favorite Teller spirits or cocktails wherever they are. You can enjoy them camping, snowboarding, on the lake, or even at a family reunion where you don’t want to be. The process of developing canned cocktails is a balance of art and science. While your local bar has fresh produce like limes or oranges, we have to master the art of re-creating this balance of taste, aroma, and texture in an all-natural, ready-to-drink can.

Before you got into distilling, you had a stint as a snowboard instructor at Angel Fire. What’s your preferred elixir after a day on the slopes? 

To start the day, nothing is better than a Teller Green Chile Vodka Bloody Mary. The roasted and spicy flavors serve as a great base. After shredding fresh powder in northern New Mexico, I like to finish the day with a PBR and a shot of whiskey—just to warm myself up, of course.

Talk about your expansion plans. What’s next for Safe House, and when can readers anticipate sitting down to order their favorite specialty cocktails again? 

We’re proud of what we have accomplished with Safe House thus far, but we are even more excited about the future. We are consistently reviewing expansion options and look forward to growing our community partnerships. Over the last three years, we have expanded our distribution to over seven hundred bars and liquor stores across the state, and we’re not stopping there. Soon our neighbors to the north, west, and east will be able to enjoy Teller Vodka. As for the bar, readers should stay on the lookout for a special announcement we plan to make this summer, including a reimagined tasting room and new spirits for customers to try. Specifically, [it is] something that has been aging since the inception of Safe House over three years ago. 

Describe a perfect day off in June. What’s on the menu?

When I get a day off in June, I like to be outside. Whether that is hiking, camping, or even cliff jumping in the Jemez. After a long day, I like to find local restaurants and bars to try for the first time. Lately, I have been attempting to try as many different green chile cheeseburgers as I can. Check back in with me next year for my favorite. 

Anything else you’d like to share with edible readers?

Leading up to four years in the Albuquerque industry, we have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from our customers and friends. Although we’re proud of the work we have done, we still have a long way to go. 

616 Gold SW, Albuquerque, 505-318-0150,
safehousedistilling.com