A popular craft distillery in Monument and its tasting room has closed.

Lee Spirits Co. at 303 W. Hwy 105 announced the closing along with its Monument Tasting Room and Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street in Colorado Springs.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news,” the distillery said on Facebook. “After a decade of dedicated service to the Colorado community, Lee Spirits Company, alongside our beloved tasting room, Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street, will be ceasing operations effectively immediately.

“Founded over 10 years ago, Lee Spirits Company has been an incredible source of pride. We’ve poured our passion into crafting premium gin, vodka, and liqueurs, aiming to elevate your gatherings and celebrations.”

The closing of the distillery and Brooklyn’s was announced March 5. The Monument Tasting Room’s closing was announced Feb. 26. Lee Spirits Co. is owned by cousins Nick and Ian Lee.

Lee Spirits announced in 2021 plans for expansion, according to previous reporting. The company was looking to grow distribution of its gin, vodka, liqueurs and canned cocktails from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to more Midwestern and Southwestern states and nationwide and globally by the end of 2023, co-founder Ian Lee said at the time.

It’s unknown what happened to that deal.

Brooklyn’s, a Prohibition-era themed bar at 110 E. Boulder St. in downtown Colorado Springs, opened in 2016. It wasn’t just hidden like other speakeasies around town, but actually disguised itself as a men’s clothing store. Even the bar’s website was designed to fool visitors: “Our haberdashery is for those who value style above all else. Whether you need a custom suit or that perfect accessory to complete your look, you’ll find it all at Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street,” the site read.

The bar was highlighted by the Travel Channel as one of the best speakeasies in the country.

Ultimately, though, lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and industry challenges led to the bar’s closure, according to the statement.

“Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street, once a beacon of Colorado Springs’ cocktail scene, stood as a testament to our commitment to creating memorable experiences. However, despite our best efforts, the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing industry landscape presented challenges we simply couldn’t overcome,” the statement reads.