Every year, as winter sets in, a bunch of dedicated whiskey lovers turn a Denver distillery into their own kind of pilgrimage site. They're not just showing up for a quick grab—they're camping out for days, setting up tailgates, and swapping stories in the freezing Colorado air. It's all for Stranahan's Snowflake, the single-batch American malt whiskey that's become a legend among those who appreciate a good pour. This year's release, happening on December 6, 2025, couldn't come at a better time for an industry that's been hit hard lately.
Stranahan's has been a powerhouse in the whiskey world since it kicked off in 2004. It was Colorado's first legal distillery since Prohibition ended, and today, it's the top maker of American Single Malt whiskey in the whole country. Remember, American Single Malt just got its official category status not too long ago, putting it on the map alongside Scotch and bourbon. The distillery uses 100% malted barley and pure Rocky Mountain water from Eldorado Springs, crafting everything in small batches. Their standard process involves aging in American white oak barrels with a level 3 char, which gives that deep, toasty flavor base.
Now, the Snowflake series is what really gets people fired up. Each year's batch is one-of-a-kind, pulling from whiskeys aged anywhere from eight to 13 years and then finished in a wild mix of casks that nobody sees coming. For 2025, it's Batch #28, named Windom Peak. This one's got finishes from extra añejo tequila barrels, rhum agricole—which is a first for the Snowflake line—peach brandy, applejack, white Port, and orange wine. The result? A tropical twist that's bright, citrusy, and floral, clocking in at 47% ABV after a final cut with that same mountain water.
Head Blender Justin Aden, who's now on his third Snowflake release, explains the thinking behind it. “I think the DNA of Snowflake is showing off the range of American Single Malt and how many directions you can take,” he says. “The only preconceived notion I go in with is that I don’t want it to taste too similar to the past few years. In 2023, I leaned heavily on mezcal and Islay casks. 2024 was heavily fortified wines. This year, I wanted to stay under the umbrella of fruit, but I was inspired to be much more tropical, bright, citrusy and floral.”
Aden doesn't lock himself into a rigid plan, either. He hunts through over 70 different finishing cask styles, but sometimes you just can't find that perfect note. “For example, this year I would have loved to find something that would have offered a bit of a coconut note,” he admits. “Couldn’t find it. Of all the 70+ different styles of finishing casks we have, I couldn’t find one. So you have to be flexible.”
When you finally get a taste, it lives up to the hype. On the nose, there's a burst of fruit mixed with white tea and a touch of orange essence. Sip it, and it's juicy and vibrant—think pears, caramel, Concord grapes, candied pineapple, banana, green apple, and a subtle ginger kick. Folks who've tried a bunch of Snowflakes over the years often call this one a standout. And it's not just talk; the distillery describes it as showcasing "a symphony of bold and unexpected cask finishes. No two Snowflake expressions are alike, making each bottle a collector’s must-have."
The release day itself is like a festival for grown-ups who know their way around a dram. Whiskey fans start lining up days ahead, turning the wait into a social event with that tailgate vibe—grills going, laughs shared, maybe even a few flasks passed around. It's turned into a real Colorado tradition, drawing people who see it as more than just buying booze; it's about the chase, the camaraderie, and snagging something rare. Bottles fly off the shelves in under an hour, priced at $120 each, and that's your only shot unless you hit the secondary market. But if you miss out, you can still catch small pours of past Snowflakes year-round at the Denver distillery or their tasting room up in Aspen.
This buzz is a bright spot in a rough patch for Colorado's craft spirits scene. The state sits seventh in the nation for the number of craft producers, per the American Craft Spirits Association. But things have taken a dip. Their 2025 report shows Colorado down to 82 distilleries from 119 the year before—that's almost a third vanished in 12 months. Nationally, the U.S. has seen a 25% drop in craft distilleries over the same period.
Local folks paint a slightly different picture, though. Craig Engelhorn, treasurer of the Colorado Distillers Guild and owner of Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons, says the decline is real but not quite that steep. According to the Guild's count, there's been about a 5% drop, leaving 98 craft distilleries still operating in the state. “It’s a very strong concern,” Engelhorn says. “We've reduced staff, cut production, you know, we're, we saw it coming, and we slowed down. So, we're a smaller company than we were before.”
Engelhorn's outfit, like many others, has had to tighten the belt—laying off workers, scaling back output, and just trying to ride out the storm. There's a gap between the national association's numbers and the Guild's, and while some have reached out for clarity, answers are still pending. But nobody's denying the pressure. Margins are getting thinner, and small operations are feeling the squeeze.
Part of the trouble ties into bigger shifts in drinking habits. Reports are showing that younger adults and newer generations aren't knocking back as much as the folks who came before them. That means less demand overall, hitting craft producers who rely on enthusiasts and local support.
To fight back, there's been some smart moves on the state level. Back in 2022, Colorado's Office of Economic Development & International Trade teamed up with the Colorado Rural Academy for Tourism to give the craft distilling industry a fresh look. They brought in consultants to build and push the Colorado Spirits Trail app, which spotlights the state's distilling history and helps folks discover hidden gems. It's all about boosting awareness and getting more feet through the doors.
The Guild's also in talks with lawmakers about tax breaks for distilleries that source materials locally. That could ease some of the financial pain and keep more operations afloat. Engelhorn's hopeful these steps will help turn things around, preserving jobs and the unique flavors that make Colorado's spirits stand out.
On top of that, Stranahan's has racked up some serious hardware lately. Last year's Snowflake, the Redcloud Peak batch, took home "Best in Class American Single Malt Whiskey" at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. That's the top spot in its category for the second year running—the year before, their Original expression grabbed the same honor. It's proof that even in tough times, quality craftsmanship can still shine.
For anyone who's ever savored a well-aged whiskey by the fire or swapped bottles with buddies, events like this Snowflake drop remind you why the hobby's worth it. It's not just about the drink; it's the stories, the history, and that sense of scoring something special. If you're in Denver on December 6, grab your coat and join the line—you might just walk away with a bottle that'll become a tale for the ages. And if not, there's always next year to try again.
