Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey could soon have another place for travelers to enjoy its Colorado-made single malt, this time inside Denver International Airport.
The Denver-based distillery has filed plans for a 3,341-square-foot restaurant and bar at 8700 Peña Blvd., on the mezzanine level of Concourse A’s north bridge. The proposed Stranahan’s Whiskey Lounge would have room for 98 guests, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The Denver Business Journal first reported on the plans.
Plans submitted to the city show a full-service restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings, along with cocktails, wine and beer. The space would also incorporate Colorado-inspired elements, including decorative aspen trees and a large illuminated Stranahan’s logo behind the bar.
For Stranahan’s, the proposed airport location would add to a brand that has been making American single malt whiskey in Denver for more than two decades.
The company traces its beginnings to 1998, when founder Jess Graber met George Stranahan after responding to a barn fire at Stranahan’s property. The pair eventually developed a single malt recipe, leading to the founding of Stranahan’s in 2004.
Today, Stranahan’s produces a range of American single malt whiskeys in Denver, including its Original, Blue Peak, Sherry Cask and Diamond Peak expressions, along with limited releases. The company says it uses Rocky Mountain water in its whiskey-making process.
The brand already has a cocktail lounge at its Denver distillery at 200 S. Kalamath St. The lounge features whiskey cocktails, seasonal drinks and pours of limited Stranahan’s releases that aren’t available elsewhere.
The airport concept would be operated through Concessions Colorado LLC, which is associated with Atlanta-based Concessions International, according to the publication.
For now, however, the airport lounge remains a proposal. Stranahan’s has said it is exploring opportunities to connect with customers across Colorado but has not confirmed that the DIA project will move forward.
If approved, the lease would also need to go before Denver City Council.
Dining and Cooking