Stranahans Whiskey Review: A Smooth Rocky Mountain Sipper

Stranahan's Whiskey, a name that echoes through the Rocky Mountains, is a craft distillery that has gained a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts. Hailing from Colorado, this small-batch whiskey is made from a blend of barley, corn, and rye, resulting in a smooth, complex flavor profile. As we delve into this Stranahan's Whiskey review, let's uncover the story behind this American single malt and explore its characteristics.

The story of Stranahan's Whiskey begins in 1996 when Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter, began experimenting with whiskey-making. Inspired by the fine flavors of Scotch whisky, Graber sought to create a unique American single malt that would stand out from the crowd. He teamed up with George Stranahan, a entrepreneur and scientist, to found the Stranahan's Distillery in Denver, Colorado. Over the years, Stranahan's Whiskey has gained critical acclaim for its exceptional quality and distinct character.

Stranahan's Whiskey Production Process

Stranahan's Whiskey is crafted using traditional pot-still distillation, where the fermented mash is distilled twice in copper stills. The whiskey is then aged in charred American oak barrels, imparting a rich, golden hue and complex flavors. Unlike many other American whiskeys, Stranahan's is not filtered before bottling, preserving the natural flavors and textures of the spirit.

Grain Recipe and Fermentation

Stranahan's Whiskey uses a proprietary blend of grains, including roasted barley, corn, and rye. The mash is fermented using a combination of yeast and bacteria, resulting in a complex flavor profile with hints of fruit, spice, and vanilla.

Distillation and Aging

After fermentation, the liquid is distilled twice in copper stills, producing a clear, potent spirit. The whiskey is then transferred to charred American oak barrels for aging, where it matures for a minimum of two years. The barrels impart a rich, caramel-like flavor and a deep golden color.

Stranahan's Whiskey Flavor Profile

Stranahan's Whiskey is renowned for its smooth, approachable flavor profile, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle smokiness. The nose is filled with aromas of toasted oak, honey, and dried fruit, while the palate is treated to a rich, velvety texture and a long, satisfying finish.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Toasted oak, honey, dried fruit, and a hint of vanilla
• Palate: Rich, velvety texture with flavors of caramel, butterscotch, and a subtle smokiness
• Finish: Long, satisfying with hints of spice and oak

Stranahan's Whiskey Range

Stranahan's Whiskey offers a range of expressions, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some of the most popular expressions include:

Stranahan's Original

The original expression is a blend of whiskey aged for a minimum of two years in charred American oak barrels. This smooth, approachable whiskey is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails.

Stranahan's Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak is a limited-edition expression aged for a minimum of four years in charred American oak barrels. This whiskey is known for its complex flavor profile, with hints of spice, oak, and a subtle smokiness.

Stranahan's Sherry Cask

The Sherry Cask expression is aged for a minimum of two years in charred American oak barrels and then finished in sherry casks. This whiskey is known for its rich, fruity flavors and a deep, golden color.

Stranahan's Whiskey Awards and Accolades

Stranahan's Whiskey has gained critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including:

• Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver Medal at the 2018 International Spirits Challenge
• Best American Whiskey at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards

Conclusion

Stranahan's Whiskey is a smooth, complex spirit that is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails. With its unique blend of grains, traditional pot-still distillation, and charred American oak aging, this whiskey is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your whiskey journey, Stranahan's Whiskey is sure to impress.