Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileAxe and the Oak Whiskey House
Colorado Springs, CO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Axe and the Oak Whiskey House operates as both distillery and cocktail bar, pouring its own bourbons, ryes, and gins. The cocktail list leans seasonal, with house-made infusions and hand-carved ice, while a separate zero-proof menu uses NA spirits from brands like St. Agrestis and Pentire. Flight options provide a direct route through the house spirits.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Bourbon Flight, which includes Colorado Mountain Bourbon, First Stake Cask Bourbon, a 4 Year Blended Bourbon, and an Armagnac Finished Bourbon for $19. For a cocktail, the Pink Peppercorn Club showcases the house gin with pink peppercorn infusion, blood orange, and tonic.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts can sample house-distilled bourbons and ryes through flights or buy bottles on-site. Cocktail drinkers will find a seasonal list built on house spirits, and those avoiding alcohol have a dedicated non-alcoholic menu with several branded NA spirit options.
- When should I go?
- Wednesday Industry Night offers 50% off cocktails and $3 shots for hospitality workers, making it a value-oriented evening for those in the trade.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $10 to $15, flights from $17 to $25, and non-alcoholic drinks from $7 to $12. Bottles for purchase start at $16.99 for vodka and climb to around $100 for American single malts.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The venue is a working distillery, producing its own flagship spirits including bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and barrel-aged gin. Weekly bottling parties let guests participate in the whiskey-making process, and bottles can be shipped across the U.S.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Cocktails are built on house-distilled spirits with house-made infusions, fresh juices, and hand-carved ice. The menu spans seasonal creations, classics, and old fashioned variations, plus a rotating Bartender's Whim. Prices sit between $10 and $15.
Menu strengths
- — Use of only flagship house spirits in every cocktail, creating a cohesive identity.
- — Seasonal menu with house-made infusions and liqueurs, plus hand-carved ice.
Standout selections
- — Pink Peppercorn Club: pink peppercorn infused gin, blood orange, tonic ($14).
- — Ignoble Intent: cask rye, amaro, ginger, Chartreuse, bitters ($15).
- — Salidas Mash: pear bourbon, cucumber, mint, clove, star anise ($12).
Pricing: $10-$15
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail section features products from St. Agrestis, 3 Spirit, and Pentire. The list includes a NA negroni, a garden martini, and playful options like a raspberry boba drink, priced from $7 to $12.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated section with branded NA spirits, offering more than simple sodas.
- — Variety from a Phony Negroni to a Raspberry Boba, covering classic and playful styles.
- — Affordable price points, from $7 for a Dirty Soda to $12 for the Garden Martini.
Standout selections
- — Phony Negroni from St. Agrestis ($9).; Garden Martini with Pentire Adrift, lemongrass, olive brine ($12).
- — Blood Orange Mule with 3 Spirit Social ($10).
Pricing: $7-$12
Spirits
House-distilled spirits include bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and a barrel-aged gin. Multiple flight options showcase the range, and bottles are available for purchase or shipping. The distillery also hosts weekly bottling parties.
Menu strengths
- — On-site distillery producing a full range of flagship spirits, from wheat vodka to cask strength bourbon.
- — Flights like Whiskey Flight #2 and Bourbon Flight offer guided comparisons of house whiskeys.
- — Bottles available for purchase on-site and shipped across the U.S., with a price span from $16.99 to about $100.
Standout selections
- — Colorado Mountain Bourbon: 92 proof, aged 3 years ($45.99 per 750ml).
- — First Stake Cask Strength Bourbon: 110+ proof, aged 3 years ($61.99 per 750ml).
- — Whiskey Flight #2: Colorado Mountain Bourbon, First Stake Cask Bourbon, Cask Rye Reserve, Incline Rye ($19).
Pricing: Flights $17-$25; bottles $16.99-$100
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