Last fall, 12 of Denver’s top bartenders were handed a few cases of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, an oak cask, and the challenge of creating the best barrel-aged cocktail. Hence, Barrel Royale was born, a one-of-a-kind cocktail competition that took place all around the city.
That’s right. As each bartender developed a recipe with the Stranahan’s whiskey of their choice, prepping it to age two-to-three weeks until perfection, imbibers came into the 12 venues to order it. Then they could vote, and the top six got to compete in an epic battle at the Stranahan’s distillery.
The final creations not only proved innovative, but tasted downright delicious. The original line up of bar masters included Joseph Borrego (Ace Eat Serve), Lara Martin (Bastien’s), Margie Muto (BurnDown), Roilen Ivester (Fruition), Quinn Lucero (Hey Kiddo / OK Yeah), 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).
After an online poll, the six finalists to take top marks turned out to be Borrego, Muto, Ivester, Lucero, Gonzales, and Osthus. The six mixologists brought their creation to the grand finale, which took place November 14. The event sold out, and a panel of esteemed judges tasted each creation. On the panel we saw Matt Klette, head of advocacy for Proximo; Angela Neri, owner of Pony Up and Side Pony in Denver; and Devin Ershow, Stranahan’s head mixologist.
In the end Quinn Lucero, a bartender at Hey Kiddo and OK Yeah, took home the prize. His drink, The Turkish Royal, featured the high-proof Stranahan’s Original American single malt whiskey, Byrrh Grand QuinQuina, Claerkampster Kloosterbitter, creme de cacao, and tobacco bitters. It was so good, it won him $2,000 and the chance to have his drink bottled and sold through Stranahan’s tasting room. The people’s choice award went to Wyatt Osthus of Jack’s on Pearl, who created the Soft and Smoky cocktail. Watch the finale video above.
After the festivities, not only did the Barrel Royale bring together the bar community, but also the distillery, restaurants, and the cocktail-loving public. Thanks to Stranahan’s, the artistry of barrel aging was showcased with creativity and skill that felt fresh and exciting. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next Barrel Royale (stay tuned). Cheers to whiskey, innovation, and the incredible bartenders who make it all happen.
Stranahan’s® Colorado Whiskey. 43-47.3% Alc./Vol. (86-94.6 proof). ©2025 Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, stranahans.com. Please drink Stranahan’s® Colorado Whiskey responsibly.
