Will work for Booze is the mantra on the Stranahan’s bottling line in their micro distillery in Denver, Co. Stranahans is a relatively recent comer in the world of small batch whiskey and an example of how a micro distillery can make it in today’s economic climate.
They began to bottle their whiskey about a year ago and to this date still do not have a bottling line, even though they are in 43 states and 7 different countries, they are still bottling every bottle by hand. Why? Perhaps it is because it saves money. Rather than investing in expensive bottling machinery, they can simply put out the call for help and before you know it they have people lined up to bottle on a volunteer basis. What is their reward? Well a bottle of Stanahan’s Colorado Whiskey, of course. Perhaps it too fits in with the entrepreneurial roots of the company, supporting a culture of cooperation and celebration of their product. What ever the real reason, I think its cool.
I know many small breweries do the same with people volunteering their time for a bottle or two of beer. Perhaps they make boxes, or load six packs, whatever the task it is fun and adds to the enjoyment of the product. I for one am really glad to know that Stranahans has taken this grass roots approach to their whiskey endeavor. I guess it just makes it more real for me, and also makes me want to pick up a bottle for my bunker. I sampled this whiskey when I was in Denver for the Great American Beer Festival and I must say it was quite good.
Good whiskey and good neighbors, and good neighbors that make good whiskey is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit we need in America, and leave it to a uniquely American distillery to lead the way. So how about you? Would you help out on bottling day for a bottle of the whiskey? Let us know in the comments.
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Absolutely! I love seeing this. It allows for people to come and enjoy the art of a unique and successful company while also getting the job done. Awesome, I’d love to come and help bottle some day!
Me too Andy! I think for a few hours light duty work, the reward of a bottle of great whiskey is one great reward! I wish I lived in Denver, but I do have a little microdistillery near the house that makes Vodka. I’m thinking about going there to ask if they need help for bottling day and offer to volunteer…who knows, it might just work out!
I’ll work for booze. Hell, I’ll work for nothing, as evidenced by all the time I’ve put into this site. 🙂
Whine, Whine, Whine…
Know what I love?
Full Sail Bourbon Imperial Porter aged in Stranahan barrels. The bottled version is a blend (Maker’s mark and Four Roses are the others), but they had pure Stranahan-aged in the pub last February.
Sounds good Gordon. Stranahans is sweet, so I could see those flavors mixing well with an imperial porter…Yummm!
We went to their distillery/pub while in Denver. I didn’t take the tour like a few other friends but the bar was really cool. My friends said the facilities were awesome though.
I think the next time we go I will ensure I take a tour of the facilities.
Don, a slight correction to your original post. Stranahan’s was founded in 2004, and started bottling (selling) in 2006. They were also one of the first handful of micro distilleries to get licensed in the states and are one of the largest. yes, you might say i’ve worked for whiskey. cheers!
Cool, Doug. You know I have never let the facts get in the way of a good story! You’re lucky to live as close as you do so you can barter your labor for booze! I know I would in a flash! I’d have my wife and kids down there too. There’s no law against an 11 year old working in a distillery, is there?
What a good idea! My husband has just started a distillery in Montana and we are at the point now that we need are going to need help bottling and labeling. If any of your followers or yourself are in the Glacier Park area, please let us know and we will add you to our bottling party list. Enjoyed your article and the pics!
We are Glacier Distilling Company on Facebook.
Thank you!
Glad to be of service Victoria. Hope Bottling day goes well. If you would like a review, I work for samples! 😉