The Bitter Sweet Truth: Interview with Strongwater
Strongwater is a Colorado brand creating expertly crafted mountain elixirs to heal the soul and spruce your cocktails. Inspired by 16th century “Strongwater Shops” that served apothecary-style drinks. They continue this tradition by offering botanical integrity to every glass. We got the opportunity to catch up with one of the founders, Jessie Stonberg.
SKUE
How did the Strongwater get started? Why this and not something else?
Jessie
The company developed out of the friendship among a chemist, herbalist, and mixologist who loved to go out and sip gin & tonics together. They would try to pick out the botanicals they believed to be involved in each and rank and pick out their favorites.
This led to the development of the bitters for their love of botanicals and the beautiful combinations and health tonics that could be explored. The reason for bitters is also because of how it puts you directly in touch with the traditions of the past both in mixology but also in health.
SKUE
How have your products changed since the original version. What type of insights led to the changes?
Jessie
Yes, our products have evolved over time. The reason is because we are always improving while sticking within the realms of the original concept of that flavor profile. We want to stay on our toes in cocktails and health tinctures, keeping ourselves honest and striving for the best. We are regularly working with ‘visiting’ bartenders and herbalists in our community to achieve this.
SKUE
What is one thing you’d like retailers to tell customers when they are selling your product at their store?
Jessie
We love to share with people that our products are all designed and developed in the traditional style with the expertise of three different disciplines.
We also love to share that we work with only the highest quality ingredients and pay homage to them in the slow and meticulous old-world style production processes we practice.
