Meet Jaco Lewis | Craft Intoxicologist

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

Hi Jaco, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I found that with the gaining popularity or bar services outside of brick & mortar establishments, there was always something lacking. During my tenure at a high-end catering outfit based out of Vail, the lightbulb moment hit me: take away the pressure of getting in and out, and on to the next, and just focus on the experience you’re offering. That same day I created Colorado Travel Bartenders, focusing initially on smaller, more intimate (and often overlooked by big vendors) types of events, where I could take the time to WOW my guests. It didn’t matter if i needed to stay an extra hour, or quickly run out and pick up a specialty liqueur we ran out of. All that mattered was that my guests felt like speakeasy-royalty, right in their own homes.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m not in the business of offering a bar service. I am in the business of offering unforgettable experiences. It doesn’t hurt that it’s sometimes tied to a Cinnamon Chocolate Old Fashioned. I tend to focus on smaller, more intimate groups that most vendors consider a waste of time. Ones where one master bartender can go in, rock their socks, and head out knowing the experience will be a highlight of discussion for years to come. It’s more personal, and has had a fantastic side effect: Friends for life. This affords me the opportunity to involve my guests in an interactive way, for example, when I make a baja-style mojito for someone, they always ask why I handle the mint the way I do. I then take the time to have them interact with my ingredients and process as I make the cocktail, showing them an engaging way how to maximize the effect and purpose of an ingredient, without making them feel like it was a stupid question, which a lot of bartenders sadly tend to do. There are no stupid questions. I want them to make cocktails the proper way when they are at home.

The process to get to this point wasn’t easy. Lot’s of sleepless nights hoping for the next booking to hit, waiting on retainers, contracts, spousal approval, all while trying to be competitive, but not underselling. There is so much more going on behind the scenes that I could never have imagined, and had to learn the hard way. Especially competing with moonlighters that will work for any amount of money just to stay busy. I refuse to do this and dilute my brand.
How do i continuously overcome these obstacles? Consistency. And delivering on the promise of a stellar experience no matter what. The hardest part has been proving my worth, but when you suddenly get that call that you are needed to bartend for a week in the Dominican Republic or Mexico, it all becomes worth it.
I just want everyday human beings to be able to enjoy a fantastically curated cocktail, no matter where they are or where they are from.

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.
Funny enough, I rarely go out unless I have said friend in town. My career is so social-focused, that I tend to recharge with my two Golden Retrievers, Snickers and Duke (Snickerdukel for short) either on a moderate hike, or simply cuddles on the sofa. One of our favorite places is Congress Park. However, when I’m not fawning over my pups, Id take my friend to a number of places I will come out of my comfort shell for:
Cocktails: Williams & Graham, Death&Co
Silly fun: 1Up (because who doesnt want to have SubZero kick Katana’s butt with a beer in hand)
Cocktails & hitting stuff: The Local Drive (RiNo). Absolutely adore this spot. Couple of hours with ridiculously delicious cocktails, while smacking golfballs into a state of the art machine? yes please!
During the winter I will also take them ice-racing on Georgetown lake. The most fun you can have with your pants on for $30. Check out “Our Gang Ice Racing” on Facebook.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been fortunate to have had some of the greatest mentors and inspirations available to me. Anyone who tells you “I did this on my own”, is a liar. Four people stand out first and foremost, and they believed in me and took my sh*t before anyone else did: Private Chef Greg Shule, Chefs Jason Harrison & Fletcher Harrison from RedMaple Catering, and Chef Mallorie from Nosh Catering. They gave me shots most wouldn’t even consider me for, leading me down the path I walk now. I also owe a generous amount of my success to the staff of Cuvee, who allowed me to curate a unique experience for their visiting guests over the years. One of the greatest resources I have had at my disposal is The Colorado Bartender’s Guild. Just a fantastic group of humans out to support each other and continually improve our craft. This is just a drop in the bucket of all the people I am thankful for guiding me through the years. Jonathan from Breck, Winston from LocalDrive, Ciaran from the Radiator, Ryan from Catalyst Mgmt., the list goes on. I’m eternally grateful.

Website: www.ineedabartender.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/travelbartenders

Facebook: www.facebook.com/travelbartenders

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@travelbartenders?feature=shared

Other: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/colorado_travel_bartenders_262089/cf_id/64f25bb66e707a04a5e0f34e