Catching up with some the people who keep Colorado’s craft libations industry interesting

Alex Kayir

Potion peddler / national sales director, Strongwater Mountain Elixirs
Age: 38

What do you love about your job? Getting to sell something I’m passionate about and had a hand in creating. Also, the people in this industry are simply the best, bar none! We know how to have a good time!

What is the hardest part of your job? Being in the car so damn much. Denver drivers are the worst!

What gets you out of bed in the morning? My neighbor’s yappy chihuahuas!

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I always carry dice in my purse.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Taking my canoe to Twin Lakes or a mountain hot springs soak. Strawberry Park in Steamboat always hits the spot. Why? Peace and quiet and being in nature are the perfect antidotes to this hustle and bustle industry.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Sooooo many places, but here’s some underrated, off-the-radar faves:

• Bistro Barbès: The chef and owner’s antics are worth a visit alone, and the boy can cook!

• Cuba Cuba: Been going here since I was a teenager. Always feels like a tropical vacation.

• Potager: Simple, farm-to-table food in a rustic, charming setting. Their garden patio is magic!

Will Herdrick

Owner, Intersect Brewing
Age: 50

What do you love about your job? The total independence of working for myself, the creative freedom, and the ability to create something that people get to enjoy together.

What is the hardest part of your job? Staying profitable year after year when the price of our supplies, overhead, labor etc., climb annually. If we kept the price of our beer on the same line graph as our annual cost increases, we’d be charging around $10-$12 for a pint. Nobody is paying that, so it’s a daily challenge to figure out how to keep it all profitable.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Since my children were born, they have always been my motivation to do as much as I can to give them a better life than I ever had, and hopefully prepare them for the world ahead. Time flies, so I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can with them.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I went to film school in Los Angeles and almost went a different direction in my career. You could say I’ve always been interested in the creative arts.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? We’ve been taking an annual trip to Steamboat Springs for several years now, and have fallen in love with it. It’s beautiful, has everything you could ever want in a small Colorado mountain town, and the people are great.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Staying with the Steamboat Springs theme, we always like to stop at Mountain Tap Brewery as well as the Ore House. Great food, beer, and their staffs always go the extra mile to provide exceptional service.

Kayleigh Schissel

Event and tasting room manager, Golden Moon Distillery
Age: 31

What do you love about your job? Being able to meet new people all over Colorado and share similar interests in libations.

What is the hardest part of your job? Making sure my efforts are seen in a heavily male-dominated industry.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? The smell of crackling bacon.

What’s one thing about yourself that most people in your circle wouldn’t know? I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and originally wanted to work in investigative work.

What would be your favorite Colorado staycation destination? Anywhere in the mountains, especially Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Beautiful drive, stunning views and relaxing hot springs.

What’s one of your favorite places to eat or drink in Colorado? Favorite place to drink is, of course, Golden Moon Speakeasy. Everything is made with fresh ingredients in the cocktails & mocktails. As for food, there’s so many new places I need to try!