Hailing out of the Mile High City, Stranahan’s claims the mantle of number one American Single Malt whiskey. However, the origin story starts off slightly more dire. Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter, responded to a local barn fire belonging to George Stranahan. Mr. Stranahan, himself a brewery owner and whiskey connoisseur, and Mr. Graber discovered their common interest of fine whiskey. Though the outcome of the barn fire is not disclosed, the forging of Stranahan’s Whiskey ultimately belongs to history. Today, we look at their original expression with the Stranahan’s Single Malt Whiskey review.

Stranahan’s Single Malt contains 100% malted barley, as required for an American Single Malt. Moreover, Stranahan’s boasts four simple ingredients for their entire production process. Beyond the malted barley, this includes yeast, time in the barrel, and Rocky Mountain water. According to my bottle (#5,201 from batch 234), this single malt ages for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels and is non-chill filtered. Finally, this bottle boasts a 94 proof (47% ABV). Now, on to the meat of the matter!

Bottle and Appearance

Stranahan's American Single Malt Whiskey bottle

In the bottle, Stranahan’s portrays a mixture of copper and amber coloring. After a pour into the glass, it largely retains the color though does soften to more of a golden honey. Giving it a swirl produces a medium thickness that forms skinny, sporadic legs that seem hesitant to form. The bottle comes equipped with a portable tin shot glass and lends to the Western vibe. Additionally, the yellow label and upright posture (along with the tin) really allow it to stand out.

Nose

Lifting Stranahan’s to the nose creates a light drying effect. Honeysuckle leads a distinct floral effect. As a result of this upfront bouquet, the whiskey adopts a general sweet and dainty character. However, it continues on. A wheat bran muffin baked with honey and dusted in powder sugar comes through before finally ending in a mild hay burst. The nose ultimately results in a highly enjoyable and easy, yet satisfying experience.

Palate

Moving onto the mouth, Stranahan’s makes a mildly astringent entrance. The floral nose transitions into a fruity palate initially. Consequently, an interesting flood of apricot and kiwi pop out first. Next, a malty caramel follows, which is unsurprising for an American Single Malt. Finally, the whiskey changes course from the sweet side into a rum-infused black pepper spice. With a medium body and distinctly layered procession, the palate concludes by encapsulating fun, complexity, and enjoyable taste.

Finish

As we move into the finish, Stranahan’s Single Malt has A LOT going on. It leads off with banana initially that merges with coconut. Eventually, the coconut prevails before transitioning into a chocolate-covered hazelnut note. All of this coupled with a underlying buttery taste and texture adds up to a smoothie like adventure. The finish may be the best part of an excellent all around whiskey – the cherry on top.

Drinkability

Drink this one neat or on the rocks. Ice brings the malty nuttiness forward through a walnut expression, while effectively killing the spicy aspects. Though perhaps stereotypical, Stranahan’s would work really well to drink in the Rocky Mountains during sunset near a crackling campfire. Optional – horse neighing in the background.

Food Pairing

Stranahan’s is a standalone whiskey that works better as a digestif than dinner drink. The sweeter nature lends itself more to a stand-in for a dessert than anything else.

Facial Hair Rating

Side Whisker Facial Hair Rating

Stranahan’s Single Malt receives the Side Whiskers Facial Hair Rating. Combining a boyish charm with a mature depth, Stranahan’s contains the best of both and all worlds. Nimble, sweet and fun; yet reserved, thoughtful and decisive – all describe the personality of this whiskey.

Overall

To conclude the Stranahan’s Single Malt Whiskey review – bravissimo! Stranahan’s is sweet without being candied, fun yet genuine and deliberate. There’s a complexity that allows the imbiber to work through various layers and discover new depths, yet it just as easily works to throw a glass back with a friend. The malty aspects of an American Single Malt reverberate, but it additionally forms enough of its own path to stand out. Each aspect of the experience builds upon itself, reaching climactic perfection by completion. Not only is this the standard that should be used for American Single Malts, in many ways it should be the standard for whiskey period. My only complaint with this one is that it’s just too good, and the bottle doesn’t usually last as long as I would like it too.

Final Grade: A+


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