Mythology is the newest distillery to land in the LoHi neighborhood. Producing scratch-made spirits and unique craft cocktails, the idea for Mythology, however, didn’t come about in Colorado. Rather, as owner Scott Yeates explained, it struck him during a trip in Alaska. When the weather was too cloudy to heli-ski, Yeates and his buddies settled for visits to the local distillery — and the rest is history.
“The three of us came up with this idea because the helicopter doesn’t fly if it’s clouded in. There was not much to do,” explained Yeates. “We decided that the [local] distillery was kind of the most fun place to go, so we kept going to the distillery and then we just eventually said hey, you know what, this is a cool, fun spot…. let’s do this in Denver.”
The idea to open a distillery may have come to them during a rowdy adventure in the Alaskan wilderness, but the Mythology team plays no games when it comes to quality spirits. Yeates sought out the expertise of former head distiller at the esteemed High West Distillery, Scott Coburn, to lead his spirit program. Between Yeates creative vision and Coburn’s spirit experience, they built something that both represents the adventurous energy discovered on the heli-skiing trip and the attention to detail that Coburn had been known for at High West.
“Scott was head of production for High West Distillery, which is in Park City, Utah. It’s phenomenally successful. Probably by all accounts, the most successful craft distillery in the US, “explained Yeates. “Scott’s creativity had kind of dwindled a little bit [at High West] and I approached him at the same time and said, hey, here’s an opportunity to come in and take the reins.”
Yeates believes that the fact that they have an exceptionally qualified professional behind their spirit program sets them apart. He explained that, “it’s not that others are not making good spirits…” it’s just that “they’re learning how to distill and they’re serving the product,” whereas Mythology “went and found a distiller that’s one of the most experienced, high-notoriety guys in the country.”
From rye vodka to gin and silver rum distilled from pure panela sugar cane, Mythology is producing quality spirits from the ground up and they’re even shaking them into some remarkable craft cocktails. Like the Oona O’neill ($12) served up with house-made whiskey, Foro Amaro, oloroso sherry and Meyer lemon bitters and the Airmail ($12) served up with Mythology silver rum, creme de banane, cardamom, pineapple and lime.
“[With distilleries] you go and have a tasting room environment or you go in and it’s more of a high-end experience [with] a cocktail bar,” explained Yeates. “We kind of wanted it somewhere in the middle’s like you go in on Saturday and hang out most of the day, have some cocktails, wash it down with some good craft beer as well, but have that fun atmosphere.”
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Mythology seems to have found that middle that they were searching for. It’s in walking distance for many LoHi dwellers, which makes is more of a regular spot that a destination. And the space is cozy — from the big wooden table where guests can play board games and mingle, to plenty of cushioned seats, brightly colored Spanish tiles and hanging twinkle lights, it doesn’t have the typical warehouse feel of a distillery. And if it weren’t for the huge window that allows drinkers to get a glimpse of the custom-made Vendome copper still, you may never know that this quaint cocktail lounge is making all of their own spirits.
Apart from the welcoming decor and size of the space, Yeates believes that walkability is a huge factor in Mythology’s approachability. This, to him, is important in creating an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a “special event,” or a “destination,” rather, a casual, every-day venture. That being said, his product is anything but casual. And if you’re looking for bars to add to your boozy bucket list, this is certainly one to consider.
Mythology is located in LoHi at 3622 Tejon Street. You can visit the bar Tuesday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Happy hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and all day Sunday.
Photos by Brittni Bell Photo and Kyle Cooper.