During my stay in Colorado, I couldn't miss a visit to the iconic vintage whiskey distillery. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is much more than just a spirit. It is a testament to human endurance, passion and love for the craft. This is a story of two people who shared a common dream and turned it into reality, creating a product that resonates deeply with whiskey lovers around the world. As a whiskey aficionado, I had the opportunity to visit the Stranahan's distillery in Colorado, and find out firsthand what makes their single malt whiskey so special.
My visit began with a tour of the facilities, where I learned about the meticulous process of making the whiskey from grain to glass. Stranahan's single malt whiskey is made from four main ingredients: 100% malted barley, yeast, water from the Rocky Mountains and time in the barrel. What impressed me the most was the team's dedication to using the best local resources possible, ensuring that every grain of barley used in the production comes from Colorado farmers. This dedication to quality is evident in the taste and texture of the finished product.
The brewing process itself is a work of art. Malt is steeped in water until it begins to germinate, a process that releases sugars that are then converted into alcohol through yeast-assisted fermentation. The resulting mixture is then distilled twice in a traditional copper still column, with each batch carefully monitored to ensure optimum results. One of the things that makes Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey unique is the use of fresh mountain water from the Rocky Mountains. Water plays a crucial role in determining the flavor profile of whiskey and pure, pristine water from the Rocky Mountains contributes to a clean and smooth drinking experience.
After distillation, the whiskey is aged in new oak casks that are hand-selected by employees of Stranahan's. Oak adds richness and depth of flavor while time allows the whiskey to slowly develop and improve over the years. The minimum aging requirement is three years, but many of the whiskeys offered by Stranahan's are significantly older, with some reaching over 10 years of age.
The story of Stranahan's began in 1998 when volunteer firefighter Jess Graeber responded to a neighbor's barn fire. Fate brought him together with Woody Creek local George Stranahan, who owned the barn that Jess was trying to save. Sharing a love of Colorado and good whiskey, the two men created Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, inspired by the rich history of whiskey in Scotland and Ireland, but also driven by the desire to create a product that reflects the unique characteristics of their homeland. Today, the distillery is a pioneer and leader in the American Single Malt category. It is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and passion for the craft. By visiting Stranahan's distillery, I was able to fully appreciate the level of care and attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the production process, from the selection of grain to the bottling of the finished whiskey.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to sample a variety of offerings from Stranahan's, including their stellar single malt whiskey, Stranahan's Rocky Mountain Reserve and Stranahan's Sherry Cask. Each had its own character, showcasing the Stranahan team's mastery of creating unique and memorable flavors.
My visit to Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey was a transformative experience that deepened my appreciation for the artisanal art of whiskey making. From the team's dedication to using the best local resources to the meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the production process, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey truly embodies the spirit of American single malt whiskey. For those who value finesse, complexity and authenticity, there's no doubt that Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey should be on their drink list.
