Tucked into a strip mall on South Cascade Avenue, Axe and the Oak Whiskey House isn’t your typical distillery experience. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Marnie Kellogg, this Colorado Springs operation opened in 2017 with a focus on crafting bourbon, rye, and vodka in small batches. Jeff brings a background in engineering to the distillation process, while Marnie handles the business side and customer experience. The 3,500-square-foot facility houses their custom copper still setup and serves as both production space and tasting room, making spirits that reflect Colorado’s high-altitude environment. The Kelloggs didn’t just stumble into distilling—they spent years researching and planning before taking the leap. Jeff’s analytical approach shows in their methodical fermentation process and careful barrel selection, while they source grains locally when possible to create distinctly Colorado expressions. They’re not trying to be the biggest operation in town, but they’re serious about consistency and quality control. The team keeps production small enough that Jeff can oversee every batch personally, from mashing to bottling. Visitors get an up-close look at the entire operation since everything happens in one space. You can watch fermentation tanks bubbling while you taste their latest releases, and the Kelloggs are usually around to explain their process. The atmosphere is laid-back and educational rather than flashy—think neighborhood craft brewery vibe but for whiskey. Their tasting room pours flights of their spirits alongside cocktails made with house products, and you can buy bottles directly from the source.