Denver’s first licensed Distillery Pub is all about local flavor Ron Tarver came across a license to open Denver’s very first distillery pub by “happenstance”, according to the longtime Mile High City resident who first had the thought to open a distillery six years ago. He owned a three story, late 1800s “old west” flop house (named the Imperial Hotel) along South Broadway and thought the building would be the perfect setting for a distillery. As plans for his new venture came into focus, Ron headed to the City offices to apply for a manufacturing license but stumbled across the application for a distillery pub license. To his surprise, Governor John Hickenlooper had passed a law in 2016 that had been written and submitted by a local lawyer along with the President of the Colorado Liquor Association, to allow for distillery pubs in a commercial setting. Yet, nobody had applied for the license prior to Ron. “I applied for the license, but nobody in the City office was aware of it and didn’t know how to review and approve the application,” says Ron. “The head permitting person got involved, asked me to be patient, and eventually I was approved. I was able to begin selling other local spirits along with my own spirits the very first day I opened, and it has been well worth the time and effort.” Some of the conditions for the license include the mandatory use of distributors, and the requirement to sell food in the pub. Otherwise, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Today, Denver Distillery – which opened in January 2018 – is happily greeting customers and serving them a variety of spirits and custom cocktails. The pub itself is as tastefully done as the drink concoctions. Tarver exposed the original brick and added elegant Virginia pine wainscoting to the ceiling. The bar top was built from the original circa 1891 support posts from the basement ceiling, and above the bar, patrons see a thick wooden beam that was also part of the building and now acts as a mount for hanging bar lights. Overall, the Denver Distillery is designed to be a modern saloon with vintage touches. For example, metal tractor seats act as bar stools along the front of the bar, corner tables were made from wine-barrel tops, and booth seating is from repurposed pews from a nearby church. Paintings by iconic Denver artist Susan Wick add color to the brick walls and two copper stills, one purchased and the other built by head distiller Chad Peters, are on clear display behind a half-wall. In addition to his own spirits, Ron prides himself on also serving craft beer from local, small shop brewers, who are ultimately focused on brewing the very best beer possible. Food is provided by a Boulder baker who studied at the French School of Culinary Arts, and visitors can also enjoy weekend entertainment by local bands. “It’s pretty cool what can happen when you stumble across things. I found a unique opportunity, at least when it comes to serving people who love great distilled spirits,” Ron remarks about his good fortune.