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The American whiskey world recently celebrated the news that the American single malt category would finally get its own legal definition from the TTB, the governmental agency that controls alcohol. To mark the occasion (with the caveat that this whiskey has surely been long in the works), Colorado distillery Stranahan’s just announced the release of one of its oldest whiskeys to date, which also happens to be the highest proof it ever released nationally.
Stranahan’s was founded in 2004, becoming the first legal distillery in Colorado since Prohibition, and released its first single malt whiskey just two years later. So not only is the new Founder’s Release a celebration of American single malt going legit, but it’s also a commemoration of two decades (plus a year) of making whiskey.
“Twenty years ago, Stranahan’s began trailblazing the American single malt category, focusing on perfecting one recipe made with 100 percent malted barley, Rocky Mountain spring water, and time in American White Oak barrels—all crafted one mile high in Denver, Colorado,” said head blender Justin Aden in a statement. “We’ve long carried a torch for American single malt, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it recognized as an official category”
Founder’s Release is a 12-year-old whiskey that was distilled from a mashbill of 100 percent malted barley and aged, like bourbon, in virgin white American oak barrels. That is how much of the whiskey produced at Stranahan’s is initially matured, although legally starting on January 19 this category can be initially matured in used oak as well. A portion of the whiskey was finished for one to four years in used bourbon barrels and blonde ale casks, and it was cut to 120 proof, or 60 percent ABV, before bottling which is, as mentioned before, the highest ABV from Stranahan’s that has been released in every state.
To put that in perspective, 120 proof is like a lower range Booker’s or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon, but much higher than what you’ll find most American single malts bottled at (with a few exceptions). We did not get to sample this whiskey for ourselves, but the official tasting notes very descriptively list amaretto, flat cherry cola, and nutmeg on the palate, followed by Nutella, bubbly cream soda, and cloves on the finish.
Stranahan’s Founder’s Release (SRP $200) is available now from specialty retailers and the distillery’s own website (shipping may vary depending on where you live). And you can find other bottles in the portfolio available to purchase from websites like ReserveBar now.
