Denver-based Mile High Spirits has taken whiskey innovation to new heights—literally. In collaboration with World View, a company specializing in stratospheric exploration and space tourism, the distillery has launched a bourbon barrel into the edge of space, resulting in their latest creation: Strato Whiskey. This unique bourbon is set to be the first publicly available whiskey aged in the stratosphere, marking a historic moment in the spirits industry.
The Stratospheric Journey
On July 15, 2021, at precisely 7:03 am, a barrel of Mile High Spirits’ Fireside Whiskey was launched from Page, Arizona. The barrel’s mission was to reach an altitude of 106,627 feet—nearly 20 miles above Earth. For context, this altitude is almost four times the height of Mount Everest. The bourbon’s journey exposed it to extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius, near-vacuum pressure, and rapid temperature shifts between searing heat and freezing cold.
These intense environmental changes are believed to have greatly influenced the whiskey’s aging process. The fluctuations in temperature encouraged more interaction between the whiskey and the wood of the barrel, enhancing the flavor and complexity in ways that traditional aging processes simply cannot achieve. In addition, ultraviolet rays penetrated the cask, bringing out unique compounds and contributing to the whiskey’s distinct character.
The Flavor Profile
The end result is Strato Whiskey, a bourbon that Mile High Spirits describes as “silky smooth” with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The stratospheric aging process has given the whiskey a unique depth and richness, setting it apart from more conventionally aged spirits. The brand even hints at the presence of a “hint of stardust” in its flavor, underscoring the space-aged allure of this limited-edition release.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Strato Whiskey is a collector’s item in every sense. Only 500 units of this bourbon will be made available, each containing a 50ml vial of the whiskey. The small bottles are packaged in a special tin alongside a rocket-shaped flask, reinforcing the space theme. Buyers can purchase Strato Whiskey online for $350 or directly from Mile High Spirits’ distillery in downtown Denver for $300.
To celebrate the release, the distillery will host a launch event on August 22, 2024. Guests will have the opportunity to sample Strato Whiskey, tour the facility, and participate in a raffle with prizes worth over $500. For those interested in an early taste, this event promises to be an immersive experience into the world of space-aged spirits.
A Step Beyond Tradition
Mile High Spirits’ venture into the stratosphere is a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of whiskey-making. “We’ve always been fascinated by the science behind the distilling process and how different factors can affect the flavor of our whiskey,” said Wyn Ferrell, owner of Mile High Spirits. “Our stratospheric whiskey defies gravity, transcending tradition. It beckons us to explore beyond the ordinary, to taste the universe itself.”
While Strato Whiskey may be the first bourbon to age in the stratosphere, it’s not the first time distillers have looked to space for inspiration. In 2011, Ardbeg sent a vial of whisky into space to study the effects of zero gravity on maturation. Glenlivet also launched barley seeds into space in 2021 aboard a SpaceX rocket. However, Mile High Spirits’ Strato Whiskey stands out as the first space-influenced product to be made commercially available to the public.
The Future of Whiskey Innovation
As Mile High Spirits continues to explore new frontiers, Strato Whiskey represents the culmination of creativity, science, and a bit of cosmic adventure. For whiskey enthusiasts and space aficionados alike, this limited-edition release offers a chance to own a piece of history and experience a flavor truly out of this world.
Whether Strato Whiskey’s unique journey will lead to further experimentation in space-aged spirits remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Mile High Spirits is committed to redefining what’s possible in the craft distilling world, one boundary-breaking project at a time.
