Elevation of Flavor: Stranahan's Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey

Tour the First Legal Distillery Since Prohibition in Denver, Colorado

Stranahan's Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey originated in Denver, Colorado. In 1998, a barn fire led volunteer firefighter Jess Graber to meet George Stranahan, a brewery owner and whiskey enthusiast from Woody Creek. This encounter initiated a partnership that contributed significantly to Colorado’s contemporary whiskey industry and influenced the broader American whiskey landscape.

Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey was established in 2004 as the first legal distillery in Colorado since Prohibition. The distillery released its inaugural bottle two years later. The brand distinguishes itself through a focus on simplicity, producing Rocky Mountain Single Malt using only 100% malted barley, yeast, mountain water, and barrel aging.

Stranahan's focus on purity puts it at the leading edge of the American Single Malt movement, which is changing how people view American whiskey. Unlike bourbon’s corn base or rye’s peppery bite, American Single Malt relies solely on malted barley, yielding flavors that range from caramel and vanilla to smokier, more complex notes. The category has grown by nearly 75% in the past five years, and its flexible rules invite experimentation from distillers like Stranahan’s.

The geographic location of Stranahan's production is significant. Denver’s high altitude influences the maturation process, while Colorado’s temperature fluctuations enhance the interaction between the spirit and oak barrels. The resulting whiskey exhibits flavors of caramel, toasted oak, and a distinctive mountain character.

Stranahan's has earned many awards as one of the most recognized American Single Malts at international competitions. Visiting the Denver distillery at 200 South Kalamath Street lets you see how it’s made and learn more about its quality. The one-hour distillery tour provides an overview of Colorado's whiskey-making history, including the origins of Stranahan's and its production processes. Participants sample four award-winning whiskeys and learn about the specific ingredients and methods used in Rocky Mountain Single Malt production. The tour includes a $10 credit applicable to the purchase of any 750ml bottle from the General Store.

For a more interactive experience, the distillery offers a Cocktail Class led by in-house mixologists. Guests receive a welcome cocktail and snacks, study whiskey history, and engage in a four-part tasting. The class includes hands-on preparation of classic and seasonal whiskey drinks developed by the distillery team. A $10 discount on General Store purchases is also provided.

The Cocktail Lounge offers an evolving whiskey cocktail menu that changes seasonally. The bar and patio provide opportunities to sample exclusive offerings such as Distillery Exclusives, Diamond Peak, and Snowflake whiskeys. These rare selections are available only at the distillery.

Visitors to Aspen may experience Stranahan's whiskey at the Whiskey Lodge, which offers alpine views and refined dining at 307 South Mill Street. The lodge provides custom cocktails and cuisine inspired by the local mountains, featuring the full Stranahan's whiskey selection. The venue operates daily from 2pm to midnight during the summer season and attracts both local residents and tourists seeking high-quality hospitality in a mountain setting.  

American Single Malt whiskey keeps evolving as distillers across the country experiment with local ingredients and aging techniques. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, some use local barley and store their whiskey in cool, damp conditions. In Texas, the heat brings out flavors more quickly. Because of these regional differences, no two American Single Malts taste exactly alike, even if the methods seem similar.

As one of the first in the field, Stranahan's has played a key role in shaping what American Single Malt means today. The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, where Stranahan's is an active member, works to protect and promote this growing category alongside other well-known whiskey types. Stranahan’s remains committed to quality and openness as more people discover this style.

Stranahan’s whiskeys are available for purchase both at the Denver distillery and through online delivery or retail locations. Each bottle represents Colorado’s distinctive spirit and the partnership that originated nearly thirty years ago.

Stranahan's Distillery is located at 200 South Kalamath St, Denver, CO 80223. The Stranahan's Whiskey Lodge can be found at 307 S Mill St, Aspen, CO 81611.

For more information about tours, cocktail classes, and current offerings, visit https://stranahans.com.