Our Story

Jenn Hegstrom started Strong Water Beverages in 2012 and has adapted to the market in creative ways, but always with a focus on hospitality. SWB saw it’s creation shortly after Jenn fell headfirst into the world of bourbon during her time at a whiskey bar in NW Portland. Since her first trip to Kentucky, countless bartenders, whiskey lovers and occasional passing pedestrians have gotten to know the friendly approach she takes with everyone. Her hospitality has built this company into a successful spirits brokerage, but more importantly into a team that is friends to the industry and others alike.

SWB now handles more than whiskey because our love for spirits is endless. We focus on education and passion to sell our brands. We rely on the drive of curiosity and people trusting their palate to prove that what we represent is truly the best. Everything we carry, we would drink, and we just want to share that with others. It is as simple as that.

Our team is formed by a collection of talents. We have all worked behind a bar at some point and consider ourselves experts in our fields. Our sales perspective is one of connection and education, not of false promises and fancy words. We speak a familiar language with both spirits professionals and first time imbibers. We love what we do, and hope that you’re up for raising a glass with us, because that’s what it’s all about!

Cheers!

Find Our Products!

Curious in tasting something in our portfolio? We can help! Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to find out where you can find it.

What sounds good? ▸

Oregon KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

Colin Jensen

Colin began his unlikely career in the beverage industry by enrolling in a two-week bartending course, after which he somehow landed a part-time bartending job in downtown Seattle. That first role quickly evolved into a full-fledged career behind the bar, one he pursued enthusiastically for the next 15 years across five states, eventually settling in Portland, Oregon.

Along the way, Colin bartended, managed bars and even explored a potential ownership opportunity—until the physical demands of the job caught up with him and made it clear he wasn’t quite as young as he used to be. Recognizing that he had developed a highly specialized and valuable skill set, he found the ideal way to remain deeply connected to the bar community when an opportunity opened up at Strong Water Beverages.

Colin joined Strong Water Beverages as a part-time NA Ambassador, a role he held for a year before coming on full-time to represent the complete portfolio. Today, he draws on his extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to support and engage with Oregon’s vibrant bar community.

When he’s not working with, drinking, or thinking about alcohol (or non-alcohol), Colin enjoys being a father of two, playing soccer and ultimate, reading voraciously, and proudly remaining an unabashed non-convert to the local MLS team as a lifelong Rave Green Seattle Sounders fan.

PORTLAND SALES

JaQuan Bowser is from Durham, NC. He went to college at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC with degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management. After graduation he worked in a number of Country Clubs and hotels in NC before landing his first Brand Ambassador job with a local NC Gin distillery that lead him to working with a major distributor who he worked for 4 years before making the jump out to Portland, Oregon. Since being in Oregon, he has been able to rediscover his love of biking, fitness, and new Portland oddities. He spends a lot of time exploring Oregon's bites and sips seeing what all the area have to offer.