Stranahan’s Colorado Straight Rocky Mountain Whiskey
94 Proof
Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML
Distiller: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Background
I first learned about Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey at my company’s Christmas party this past year. I learned, ahead of time, from the party organizer that only beer and wine would be served. I was in trouble.
About a half hour after arriving, I headed off to the corner with my concealed bottle of Buffalo Trace. While pouring, I noticed that the husband of one of our executives was walking toward me. I panicked for a moment, but there was nothing I could do. He asked me what I was drinking and I showed him the bottle, hoping I wasn’t in too much trouble. Contrary to my initial thoughts, we began a conversation about whiskey; apparently he’s a big bourbon fan! He started telling me about Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, a brand I knew nothing about. He said it was his personal favorite, and that I needed to give it a try. A few months later, I had a bottle special ordered, and it quickly became one of my favorites.
Review
Just as stated in my review of Yamazaki 12 Year Old, I was completely surprised by the nose of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. It has a very fruity, florally smell, but with the harshness of a bourbon.
This whiskey is truly unique in its taste as well. A variety of fruits are instantly present, followed by a heavy presence of leather and slight hint of tobacco. Stranahan’s has the florally taste of a light Scotch, with the robust full-body of a bourbon. Be warned that this is a very sweet whiskey as well.
Afterwards, you’ll taste the full spectrum of fruit and leather, which will linger with you for a long time.
Rating & Recommendations
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is a very good whiskey, and certainly worth trying if you’re looking for something a little different. I give this whiskey an 88 out of 100 because it clearly stands out as a fun, young whiskey.
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has a whole lot of flavor to offer. This kind of whiskey, in my opinion, shouldn’t be diluted with ice. I would recommend drinking it neat or with a splash of water.
I was surprised (pleasantly) by my first experiences with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. I would definitely recommend this to somebody looking to branch out and try something different from what they’re used to.
-Ryan
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Hey Ryan, I’m just curious as a fellow Pennsylvanian, how did you get a bottle of Stranahan’s?
Author
Stranahan’s is an SLO – special “something” order. You can go on the Fine Wine & Good Spirits website and have a bottle shipped to your local store. I know that this particular brand is produced in small quantities, so they may not have it readily available at all times.
Hope this helps!
-Ryan
Ah ha, nice. It’s not up there anymore, they must have run out. I’ll have to keep my eye open. Thanks.
Getting a bottle now is going to be tough if you don’t live in Colorado. For some reason, the new owners, Proximo, have decided Stranahan’s will only be sold in the state.
Author
That’s awful! It’s really a very good product – blows my mind that they haven’t gotten their production processes in order to the point of mass distribution. May have to plan a trip to Colorado in the near future…
-Ryan
The mass distribution was fine when the distillery was independent. Ralfy (on Youtube) actually purchased a bottle in the UK to do a video review. It might be that the new owners want to build up a larger supply of whiskey so that there will be a bigger nationwide distribution in the future. I’ll just wait and see.
I’ve seen it here in Wisconsin for a few years now. I believe I saw it last week at my local shop. Usually runs about $55 or so. I tried a bottle about two years ago wasn’t too keen on it, though admittedly my palate has probably changed, perhaps it’s due another try. I believe in 2010 Food & Wine magazine named it New Spirit of the Year.
The decision to limit distribution came before Proximo bought the distillery. Demand became so high for the whiskey they were no longer able to supply the local market. At the time they also only owned one still (a hybrid pot and reflux still-pretty cool to see!) but since have expanded to three working stills. Their current 3 year plan (as of summer 2012) is to being distributing to New York and California and being branching out to other major cities as more product becomes available (anything you find in a liquor store outside of CO has been “procured” by other means, but hey, I’m a fan so no harm no foul). I believe Total Beverage in CO does do Internet orders and will ship to states that it is allowed to. If you get a chance, visit the distillery! Awesome tour of the place and a really great staff!
I am new to the journey of finding good whiskey but I am enjoying the journey. My wife is from Colorado and I have had the opportunity to enjoy Stranahan’s. It is by far my favorite, at least right now. Great review of the whiskey, very full and fruity and I dare say there is something vanilla about it as well. Smooth and pleasant. I can’t wait to get back there and buy another bottle.
I had a Denver friend obtain a bottle of your spirits. He had to bring it thru airport security and answer all their questions, Then I tasted your 2 year old whiskey. What a disaster. I am used to drinking whiskey 6 or more years old. I tasted moonshine that tasted better then that.
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