Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey 2yo (47%, OB, Small Batch #47, D’7-7-06) – Whiskey Tasting Note
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey 2yo (47%, OB, Small Batch #47, D’7-7-06)
A small batch American whiskey made in Colorado with 100% malted barley. The nose is very sweet and some what bourbon/rye in style along with some dusty malt along with caramel, brown sugar and lots of vanilla. There is also some good fruit in the form of oranges and vague hints of banana. While it is a very ‘light’ American style of whiskey a more accurate description would be Canadian whisky and in particular the style of the very deservedly stunning Alberta Premium from Calgary, Alberta. The taste is fruity (this time more tree fruit rather than citrus), mildly peated (?), loads of vanilla and mild shades of rye whisky which is quite nice. The mouth feel is very gentle for a higher ABV and it is quite dry, all in all a quality whiskey especially for the age when compared to Scotch whiskies. The finish has some banana, fruit, loads of wood spice from the oak and also some gentle creaminess and lashings of grand malt. The finish is quite long and very enjoyable without any hint of off notes.
This tastes much older than two years old and is undoubtedly a very high quality whiskey. This distillery is going to be very well known and will give many others a run for their money, it is very drinkable and ‘moreish’. A delight.
Score 87 Points
Many thanks to Sam Filbus for the sample. Visit Stranahan’s at http://www.stranahans.com/
This reviewer has a great nose; he nailed the description of Stranahan’s (although I really don’t see the Canadian similarity…) He’s right though, about the nose the palate descriptions–the citrus, the powdery malt (tastes kinda like an orange biscotti sprinkled with powedered sugar). This is wicked good whiskey. Benefits from a splash of water.
Stranahan’s is matured in new American white oak in a temperature and humidity controlled rackhouse, which largely accounts for how such a complex dram is achieved in such a brief time.
And, the two year old statement is only a disclosure of the YOUNGEST whiskey in a batch; there is whiskey up to five years old in most batches. Beyond five years in the barrel, this whiskey gets extremely oaky and astringent; older is not always better!