Military Whiskey Review: Stranahan’s Original Single Malt

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History – Their story begins in 1998, amidst the flames of a barn fire, where volunteer firefighter Jess Graber crossed paths with George Stranahan, a local luminary with a passion for whiskey. Little did they know, this chance encounter would ignite the creation of Colorado’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition. From adversity, opportunity arose, leading to the birth of Stranahan’s, a testament to resilience and innovation.

Crafted amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey embodies the spirit of the American West. Meticulously handcrafted from barley to bottle, our signature Single Malt stands as a beacon of quality and tradition. With only the finest ingredients — 100% malted barley, yeast, Rocky Mountain water, and the artful aging process — each sip encapsulates the essence of our storied heritage and dedication to excellence.

Stranahan’s Original embodies the essence of artisanal American single malt whiskey, crafted in limited batches. It matures gracefully in freshly charred American oak barrels, each boasting a #3 char, for no less than four years, before being delicately harmonized with pure Rocky Mountain Spring water. Meticulously blended with grains sourced from nearby locales, it’s a testament to both nature and time. Each bottle reflects a batch of barrels aged across varying spans of four to seven years, ensuring a spectrum of flavor nuances. Unconstrained by chill filtration, it maintains its integrity, boasting a robust 94 proof. From the inaugural Original release in 2006 to their ongoing commitment to innovation, Stranahan’s celebrates the artistry of American Single Malt. Let’s see what they are all about!

Value – The bottle’s ingenious design includes its own built-in shot glass, measuring out perfect 1 and 2-ounce pours. Kudos, Stranahans, for this thoughtful touch!

Appearance – Amazing bottle appearance that feels very classy. Stands out as a beautiful show.

Nose – Delicate notes of white wine, apricot, and prune tantalize the senses.

Palate – A burst of grapefruit, peach, and pear flavors that evoke memories of fine Scotch whisky. Its fruit-forward profile glides smoothly to a delightful finish.

Finish – Nutmeg, cantaloupe, and a bouquet of springtime flowers intertwine seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression.

Summary – In conclusion, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is not merely a libation; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience. Born from the serendipitous convergence of two individuals amidst the ashes of a barn fire, Stranahan’s emerged as Colorado’s pioneer in legal whiskey distillation since Prohibition. Crafted against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, every bottle of Stranahan’s Original is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted from barley to bottle. From its distinct aroma reminiscent of white wine and apricot to its palate teeming with grapefruit and peach, and culminating in a finish adorned with nutmeg and springtime flowers, each sip narrates a tale of craftsmanship and dedication. While the price may seem steep, it’s a small tribute to the quality and heritage encapsulated within every pour.

“Cheers to the artisans behind Stranahan’s, for they’ve not just distilled whiskey; they’ve distilled the essence of the American West!”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 8

Appearance- 1-10 – 10

Nose- 1-20 – 16

Palate- 1-20 – 17

Finish- 1-20 – 16

Value- 1-20 – 13