History

Axe and the Oak Distillery has been located in Colorado Springs, Colorado since day one and was one of the city's first whiskey distilleries. The company was formally launched in 2013, and after three months in the barrel, Colorado Mountain Bourbon Whiskey took silver at the Denver International Spirits Competition. Since then, Axe and the Oak has won over 100 awards worldwide. Jason Jackson, founder and lifelong singer/guitarist, wanted to create a whiskey that could also be connected with music and community, and therefore music is visible in the brand through references on the bottles. The mission is to build community around whiskey, and the Whiskey House in Ivywild School functions as a dedicated gathering place that does not necessarily have a TV, but rather live music, craft cocktails and hospitable spaces. The core values emphasize courage, a welcoming approach to diversity, presence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within the local community.

Production / Manufacturing

The whiskey is produced with the purest Rocky Mountain water and local Colorado grains to achieve a smooth and approachable drinking experience. The distillery is based in Colorado Springs and produces, among other things, a high-rye blended bourbon. The production highlights non-chilled filtration and a #3 Barrel Char. The through-line in the brand is that the bottles carry a batch and bottle code as well as a reference to music ("tunes").

Products / Whisky Series

Colorado Mountain Bourbon Whiskey

• Proof: 92; Age: 3 years; #3 Barrel Char; Non-Chilled Filter; High-Rye, Blended Bourbon
• TASTE: Rich Oak, Vanilla Bean, Caramel Glaze, Warm Corn Bread
• AROMA: Soft Caramel, Vanilla Glaze, Cinnamon Butter, Fresh Leather
• Price: $45.99

Colorado Mountain Incline Rye Whiskey

• Proof: 98; Age: 3 years; #3 Barrel Char; Non-Chilled Filter; 95% Rye Mashbill
• TASTE: Rich Oak, Cinnamon, Sweet Vanilla, Black Pepper
• AROMA: Rye Bread, Fresh Cut Grass, Bright Oak, Baking Spices
• Notes: inspired by the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs
• Price: $55.99

First Stake Cask Strength Bourbon

• Proof: varies (110+); Age: 3 years
• TASTE: Sweet Corn, Toasted Oak, Maple Syrup, Vanilla Bean
• AROMA: Caramel, Sweet Honey, Rye Bread, Butterscotch
• Description: Cask Strength version of the bourbon

Armagnac Barrel Finished Rye Whiskey (Rye Whiskey with Armagnac finish)

• Product name listed in the range; maturation details not specified in the available content

Rye Whiskey Cask Reserve

• Product name listed in the range; maturation details not specified in the available content

Other Bottled Products and Direct Sales

• Bottles can be purchased and shipped to your door (online orders) or picked up in-store; Take-Home bottles mentioned in the selection

General notes on seasonal releases and other products

• Dream Stream Barrel-Aged Gin and other gin/vodka products are mentioned as other products (not whiskey-classified) and therefore are not the main focus of the whiskey series.

Visits / Experiences

Axe and the Oak Whiskey House

Colorado Springs’ original whiskey bar, established in 2016, located in Ivywild School. Dedicated to creating exceptional, handcrafted, seasonal cocktails and house-made infusions/liqueurs, with hand-cut ice and live music on weekends. The hours for Whiskey House are: Tuesday–Thursday 4:00 PM–9:00 PM, Friday 4:00 PM–11:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM–11:00 PM; Sunday and Monday closed.

Private Events and Whiskey House Rental

Stage Room can accommodate 30 seated or 60 mixed; the entire Whiskey House can accommodate 80 seated or 150 mixed (excluding the terrace). Rental periods and package options include identical terms with everything from Zero Proof to Cask Strength prices and options for serving Old Fashioned Flights and whiskey tastings. Special offers and 2024 prices are available with advance booking, including set deposits and payment terms.

Transportation, Parking and AV

There is free parking in front of Whiskey House as well as behind Ivywild School and on-street parking. AV equipment and stage are available.

Direct Sales and Bottle Delivery

In addition to the in-house experience, guests can purchase bottles and have them delivered to their door via shipment. Take-Home bottles are offered in select periods.

Philosophy

Mission, Purpose and Vision

• Mission: With dedicated hands, hearts, and diverse voices, Axe and the Oak creates the finest Colorado-distilled spirits for a life shared with friends.
• Purpose: A platform for building community; a stage for stories; a table where everyone fits. We exist to get people to slow down, listen, be heard, and remember that they are friends.
• Vision: A world where no one drinks alone; trust is real; hospitality is widespread; craft is celebrated; and the precious connection between people is the most important product.
• Perspective: We create the finest Colorado spirits to facilitate a life in community.

Core Values

• Courage that tells the truth
• Family that fosters welcome
• Friendship that promotes diversity
• Presence that offers attention
• Craft that inspires collaboration
• Engagement that changes communities