In the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, a unique and exceptional whiskey is distilled – Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. This whiskey is not just your average American Single Malt; it is a testament to the beauty and ruggedness of the Colorado landscape.
Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is the result of a special collaboration between two individuals who had a shared passion for creating a smooth and flavorful whiskey. Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter, and George Stranahan, a former photojournalist and entrepreneur, joined forces to develop a recipe that would capture the essence of their mountain surroundings.
One of the key elements that sets Stranahan's apart is its use of barley as the primary grain. Barley is traditionally associated with Scotch whisky production, but Graber and Stranahan saw the potential to create a distinctly American single malt using this ingredient. By sourcing their barley locally and handcrafting every step of the process, they were able to create a whiskey that truly reflected the terroir of Colorado.
The process of making Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey begins with locally sourced barley, which is malted and mashed to extract the sugars needed for fermentation. The resulting “wort” is then fermented using a unique combination of yeast strains, which impart specific flavors and aromas to the whiskey.
Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is distilled in small copper pot stills. This traditional method allows for careful control over the distillation process, resulting in a whiskey that is rich in flavor and character. The spirit is then aged in new American oak barrels, which contribute additional layers of complexity and depth to the final product.
The aging process for Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is a crucial step in its development. The whiskey is matured in a climate that experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations, which accelerates the aging process and imparts unique characteristics to the final product. This “high altitude aging” gives the whiskey a smoothness and depth that is often associated with much older spirits.
From barley to bottle, every step of the production process for Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is done by hand at their distillery in Denver, Colorado. This hands-on approach ensures that only the highest quality whiskey makes its way into each bottle.
The result of this meticulous craftsmanship is a whiskey that is truly exceptional. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is known for its smoothness, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak coming together harmoniously. It has a rich and full-bodied mouthfeel, with a long and satisfying finish.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing a wide range of spirits. However, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey stands out to me as a true gem. Its unique production process, commitment to quality, and the influence of its Rocky Mountain surroundings make it a whiskey that is not to be missed. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is a true delight for the senses.