Occasionally, a passion or hobby can turn into a full-fledged career, though that was never the plan for IceSmiths’ founder, Chris Dooley. As he often jokes, “…This definitely wasn’t in the five-year plan.” Originally, he just wanted to solve a quirky personal challenge: how to efficiently create crystal-clear ice in the kitchen, right next to the frozen pizzas. After he ate the pizzas and cracked the ice code, something clicked: Our favorite date-night spots all use craft cocktail ice from a supplier. What would it look like to scale this commercially?

That single question changed everything. After partnering with cocktail ice manufacturers in Michigan, California, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts to learn about their history and experience, Chris and his wife Erin decided it was time to start haulin’ cubes in their neck of the woods. Shortly after, IceSmiths was born. The name itself is a nod to the Dooley family’s blacksmith roots in County Armagh, Ireland, before their immigration to Western Massachusetts.

Today, IceSmiths is proud to help Colorado bars, restaurants, event spaces, and cocktail enthusiasts serve better drinks; keeping flavor intact, reducing dilution, and helping to leave a premium impression*. Sometimes, the best ideas really do catch you by surprise.

*Check out our FAQ+ page for more info on the why and how!