Salina, KS — Tucked beneath the familiar elegance of the Salina Country Club, a completely new experience is stirring — one part history, one part artistry, and entirely unexpected. It’s called M1918 Speakeasy, a secretive, invitation-only bar concept blending early 20th-century intrigue with high-end modern mixology.
During a private walkthrough with Salina311, SCC owner Jason Ingermanson offered a first look at the newly completed space, a project that has transformed the club’s lower level into a richly detailed, immersive experience inspired by Prohibition-era design and storytelling.
“This isn’t just a bar,” Ingermanson said, describing the careful attention to detail behind the new venue. “It’s an experience.”
The Concept: A Name with History and Meaning
The name M1918 carries layered symbolism. It references both the Browning Automatic Rifle, a weapon introduced in 1918 that became infamous among Prohibition-era gangsters, and the same year the Prohibition Act was signed — an era that gave rise to the original speakeasies.
A pig incorporated into the M1918 logo nods to the “blind pig” slang used for secret drinking establishments during the 1920s. Together, the name and imagery create a brand steeped in historical reference and quiet rebellion — fitting for a hidden bar that asks guests to enter through a coded door.
An Immersive Design Down to the Details
From the outside, guests step into what appears to be a classic meat-market façade, setting the stage for what’s behind it — a series of meticulously designed spaces that immerse visitors in the look and feel of a bygone era.
The “Interrogation Room Experience” is one of M1918’s most creative offerings. Guests are seated in a replica Al Capone cell from Alcatraz, complete with hand-painted depth and period-accurate decor. There, they’re “interrogated” by a host — not about crimes, but about their cocktail preferences.
The experience unfolds as a progression of three custom drinks: an appetizer, main course, and dessert cocktail, crafted live by a professional mixologist based on the guest’s answers. It’s part theater, part artistry, and entirely handcrafted.
“We brought in a mixologist from a luxury resort, a real artist of cocktails,” Ingermanson said. “Every ingredient, every infusion, every garnish is prepared in-house. Even the small details, like the house-made syrups or vegan chili caviar, are part of the creative process.”
Meet the Alchemist Behind the Bar
Colby doesn’t just make drinks, he crafts liquid stories. With a deep respect for pre-Prohibition techniques and a flair for modern creativity, he blends rare spirits, house infusions, and a touch of history into every glass. Each creation is a balance of elegance and edge, designed to surprise, captivate, and stay with you long after the last sip.
A Multi-Phase Vision for the Club
The unveiling of M1918 is just the beginning. Outside, the patio has been fully rebuilt with plans for a future pavilion, designed to create a four-season venue. The renovation ties into a larger vision to modernize the Salina Country Club while preserving its legacy and community feel.
Inside, every element tells a story, from vintage fixtures to the red glow of the “M1918” sign that flickers above the entrance. Even the restrooms are extensions of the theme, crafted with the same attention to atmosphere as the main bar.
A New Chapter in Salina’s Social Scene
For Ingermanson, M1918 is more than a renovation — it’s an evolution of what Salina’s hospitality scene can be: refined, original, and rooted in storytelling.
“When people walk through that door, I want them to forget where they are,” he said. “It’s about transporting them, giving them an experience that feels secret, special, and unforgettable.”
For those curious about entering the hidden world beneath the Country Club, please contact the Salina Country Club.
Friendship & Collaboration
By Jason Ingermanson
In the shadows of Salina, KS, a captivating tale unfolds, one of connection, creativity, and a touch of mystery. It began in 2018 when Brandon Sherwood and I crossed paths, quickly transforming our newfound friendship into a partnership marked by artistic exploration. By 2019, we were deeply entwined in collaborative projects, each revealing a glimpse of our imaginative prowess.
Brandon, a custom builder with the soul of an artist, infuses every creation with an essence that feels almost otherworldly. I complement this vision as together we craft unique experiences that echo through the corridors of the enigmatic M1918 Speakeasy. This hidden gem invites patrons to lose themselves in its allure, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
As we venture into a tapestry of future projects, our hearts brim with appreciation for the supporters who walk beside us, those who help breathe life into our visions. Together, Brandon and I traverse the mysterious landscape of creativity, leaving behind a legacy that sparks curiosity and wonder in all who encounter it.
