What is it about mountain air? It seems to bring out the best in men. It invokes feelings of the great outdoors, the wide open west, and the pioneer spirit. Speaking of ‘Pioneer Spirit’ meet Jess Graber a retired firefighter who crossed paths with George Stranahan, founder and owner of Flying Dog Brewery, at a barn fire. When the fire was extinguished the two collaborated over a common love of whiskey and from the ashes, rising like the Phoenix, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey was born. In the early days Stranahan's would outsource their Wash production to the Flying Dog (and others) before eventually moving the entire process in house. As Graber said “Today Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is totally in house from grain to bottle”. Stranahan's uses a combination Scotch style and Bourbon Style still (Pot still/Column still) to create a whiskey that certainly has elements of both spirits.
Though there are Bourbon notes this is definitely a Single Malt whiskey more reminiscent of Scotch. Using 100% Rocky Mountain Barley and pure local stream water their process creates a ‘maltose sugar rich’ liquid, which through a series of steps is then fermented, distilled, and barreled for aging. New oak barrels are used with a #4 (heavy) char. The whiskey is then aged for a minimum of two years.
Let’s drink. First of all the dark amber color, the rich nose, and the oily feel in the mouth give the impression that this is a much older whiskey than the minimum two years Stranahan's claims. When Graber says “Age is not a statement of quality, it is a statement of age” he knows what he’s talking about. Don’t let its young age fool you. Citrus, orange and maybe Juicy Fruit gum followed by a walloping of heavy oak are present on the nose. Initial tasting puts those bourbon elements on the stage but its single malt character prevails. Caramel, toasted wood, spice with a hint of pepper, and an element of dryness that is not unpleasant. The finish is smoky and malty with a hint of fresh wood shavings. A second pour of this was even more enjoyable. Neat is the best way to drink this upstart mountain whiskey. (Batch #39, 47% alc/vol, 94 proof).
Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey is proof of the revolution that is occurring in American whiskey making. Micro distilleries are opening across the country and in almost every state. A variety of styles and tastes are emerging but like all trends only the cream will rise to the top and stay there. These are the artisans, they understand their craft and while profit is a great thing it is not always the end game. Jess Graber and Stranahan's have found that balance. The world is there Rocky Mountain Oyster.
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