In an epic battle, 11 master mixologists craft a signature barrel-aged cocktail in the hopes of becoming the sole survivor. Each drink uses a unique expression from the Stranahan’s Whiskey portfolio.
The first round is happening now, and from the original 11 contestants only six will advance to the grand finale at the distillery on November 14. During the event guests can sample these exceptional barrel-aged creations for one night only, and find out why barrel-aging is such a fun way to make a drink.
Meet the Makers
The list of bartenders competing in Barrel Royale include: Joseph Borrego (Ace Eat Serve), Lara Martin (Bastien’s), Margie Muto (BurnDown), Roilen Ivester (Fruition), Quinn Lucero (Hey Kiddo), Wyatt Osthus (Jack’s on Pearl), Howard Rubsam (Lady Jane), Erika Copeland (Restaurant Olivia), Charli Gonzales (STK Steakhouse), Collin Griffith (The Edge), and Katie Krieger (The Tatarian).
Borrego, of Ace Eat Serve took the idea of the classic Sazerac, but made it his own creation. Enter the Cask Carnage.
“I started with Stranahan’s Sherry Cask and Diamond Peak then created a cordial using an array of Asian spices, demerara sugar, absinthe and Grand Marnier, then blended it all and barreled it,” said Borrego. “I enjoy barrel aged spirits and cocktails because it is interesting to see the transformation of flavors.”
At Restaurant Olivia, bar manager Erika Copeland created the island-tinged Blue Peak Jungle Bird. In her version she utilizes Stranahan’s Blue Peak Whiskey, Sherry Cask Stranahan’s, Campari, Cappelletti, pineapple juice, and rich brown simple syrup.
“I wanted to play with the bold, bitter notes of Campari and see how they would evolve when paired with the barrel-aged complexity of the whiskey,” said Copeland. “The result is a perfect balance between bitter and tropical, making it an excellent winter cocktail with a touch of island-inspired flavors.”
With a nod to the classic Bobby Burns drink, STK Denver has created the Rocky Mountain Heatwave. To make the cocktail, Charli Gonzales, bar trainer for The ONE Group, rinsed the barrel with pineapple rum. From there a good amount of Stranahan’s Blue Peak, Johnnie Walker Black, vermouth, Benedictine, and a dash of Pueblo-grown green chili got thrown in.
“The spirit or cocktail develops a different personality as it ages,” said Gonzales. “The results can vary depending on time and ingredients, so it’s the unexpected that excites us.”
Find out about the other nine drinks and how they were made by watching the videos of each contestant here.
Why Barrel-Aged Cocktails
Like many of the bartenders mentioned, by barrel-aging a spirit different nuances come out. It is, in essence, what gives whiskey the various flavors. With Barrel Royale the contestants not only get to play with what a barrel does to the whole drink, but Stranahan’s whiskey iterations as well.
How To Vote
Head to any of the aforementioned bars and request the Stranahan’s special barrel-aged cocktail. The time to check out these spots is now! The contest goes until November 8. Vote online here.
Final Round Event Details
Join the fun on Thursday, November 14 at 7 p.m. at Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery and Cocktail Bar, 200 S. Kalamath St., Denver.
The $20 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, unlimited samples of the six finalists’ drinks, and a live DJ throughout the night. There’s also bar service and bites from a local food truck for purchase. And if you’re still thirsty, Stranahan’s will offer $10 off any 750-milliliter bottle from the store the day of the event for all ticket holders. Find tickets here.
