The top-selling American single malt in the country, Stranahan's, today introduces the Founder's Release, a limited-edition, full-bodied whiskey matured for 12 years at 120 percent, the highest proof liquid the company has ever offered nationally. As the first new whiskey category to be recognized in more than 50 years, American single malt will be officially celebrated on January 19th with Founder's Release. This historic event and federal action will instantly elevate American single malts alongside bourbon and other iconic American spirits. Few other brands have 12 year old releases such as the 12 years old Founder's Release.
Image credit: Stranahan's
"Twenty years ago, Stranahan's began trailblazing the American single malt category, focusing on perfecting one recipe made with 100% malted barley, Rocky Mountain spring water, and time in American White Oak barrels—all crafted one mile high in Denver, Colorado. Over the past two decades, we've become the most awarded in the category, amassed perhaps the deepest inventory of well-aged American single malt, and demonstrated what's possible with dedication to one craft." Aden continued, "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 12 Year Old is a celebration of this milestone, our two decades of craftsmanship, and everyone—especially our loyal Stranafans—who have bottled their passion and stayed the course alongside us." ~ Justin Aden, Head Blender at Stranahan's
Limited edition of Stranahan's Cask Strength Founder's Release was aged for 12 years, first in brand-new, charred American white oak barrels and then in casks that had previously aged bourbon and blonde ale. While amaretto, effervescent cream soda, and clove spice round out the finish, the resulting drink is rich in milk chocolate, coffee cream liqueur, pecan, and nutmeg on the taste and nose. Founder's Release, like all Stranahan's bottles, is created entirely of malted barley, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled one mile up in Denver, Colorado. It is also cut with Eldorado Spring water.
Image credit: Stranahan's
Jess Graber, a former moonshiner from Colorado, established Stranahan's, the first legal distillery in his state since Prohibition, in 2004. He gambled on a whiskey kind that was unknown at the time, but he was optimistic about it right away. In addition to the category's official recognition, Founder's Release pays tribute to him and his profession.
"They said we were crazy, and maybe we were, but we were believers in American single malt from the start. It was time to wake people up to what American whiskey could be. And now, to see American single malt get the recognition and attention it deserves, all I can say is, it's a very proud day. It's a day to celebrate what we do best and raise a glass. Cheers!" ~ Jess Graber, Stranahan's Founder
Additionally, fans are invited to a multi-day Designation Day celebration in Aspen and Denver, Stranahan's hometowns. The brand's distillery and Aspen Whiskey Lodge will dispense drams of four ultra-rare, iconic Stranahan's whiskeys from deep in the vaults throughout the month of January, while supplies last. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate a significant milestone for American single malt whiskey.
Image credit: Stranahan's
"As the category leader in American single malt whiskey and one of its pioneers, Stranahan's applauds the TTB's designation of American single malt whiskey as an official category. This opens up the possibility of American single malt whiskey to the global market, with a product that can compete head to head with the most prestigious whiskey brands in the world. Move over scotch. American single malt whiskeys are here to stay." ~ Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits, Stranahan's parent company
Image credit: Stranahan's
Founder's Release will be delivered later this winter, and fans may be among the first to order it by signing up here.
Tasting Notes From The Brand
- Age: 12 years
- Nose: Milk chocolate, flat cherry cola, nutmeg
- Finish: Nutella, bubbly cream soda, clove spice
- Proof: 120 Proof / 60% ABV
