We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Andresen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I grew up steeped in the magic of natural remedies. Half Norwegian and half Korean, I learned about both Scandinavian folk medicine and Asian herbal tonics handed down for generations. I grew up exploring the outdoors and learned to harness the power of plants. I went onto becoming a chemist in Colorado, where I befriended an herbalist and a mixologist. Together, we created bold bitters designed to be powerful potions that could “heal the soul and spruce your cocktail.” Inspired by 16th century Strongwater shops where spirits were used as medicine to heal, we set out to create unique mountain elixirs for a more inspired take on bar staples.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I created this business out of the joy for unique beverages and their connections to plants. With very little starting capital we managed to turn a fun hobby into products people enjoy and believe in. Come to find out that starting a business with little money is no easy feat. A big thanks to my wife Asha who kept working her own job to keep us afloat financially in the first few years. Honestly, if it weren’t for a partner that kept my optimism and joy for the business alive through all the ups and downs we wouldn’t have made it this far. We’d love for people to know that we don’t cut any corners here at Strongwater. We make everything ourselves and by hand. Nothing leaves our doors without final approval by the whole team.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have the fortunate opportunity to live in one of the best cities in the world. Denver Colorado. Our team and friends love skiing, climbing, kayaking, and hiking in our beautiful Rocky Mountains. Here’s our itinerary:

1. Breakfast at Lucille’s in Boulder, Hike the Flatirons, lunch at Corrida (G&T’s), dinner and music at Gold Hill inn
2. Breakfast at Bindrey in Denver, Denver Art Museum, Beers at Vine Street Pub, Dinner at Uchi.
3. Drive to the Roaring Fork Valley and hike in Marble CO. Lunch at Redstone Inn, Woody Creek Distillery tour and drinks, Stay at Avalanche Ranch Hotsprings. Stay for 3 days. Enjoy Aspen restaurants, hiking, rafting, fly fishing.
4. Head back to Denver. Grab sour beers at Casey Brewing in Glenwood Springs for later, lunch and tour at Breckenridge Distillery, sail boat ride on Dillon Lake for sunset (queue up the sour beers), grab dinner at Smokin Yards BBG in Idaho Springs. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Love to thank my Grandparents and the book The Drunken Botanist.

Website: www.strongwater.com

Instagram: sipstrongwater

Linkedin: nicholas andresen

Twitter: sipstrongwater

Facebook: sipstrongwater

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