Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Based in the Mile High city of Denver, Stranahan’s opened their doors in 2004 as the first modern micro distillery in Colorado. In 2010 the distillery was sold to Proximo Spirits out of New Jersey, but the headquarters remains in Denver.
Born from Rocky Mountain snow and 100% malted barley, former Master Distiller Rob Dietrich had developed the brand into an approachable, mild tempered whiskey. Their flagship whiskey was created to be sip-able while providing fan favorite aromas of vanilla, maple syrup and hints of leather; accompanying this nose is an ideal profile ranging from cinnamon-butter to hints of oak and rich tobacco. This profile targets what whiskey drinkers think of when they read “single malt,” but challenges that perception with sweeter notes more popular in Bourbon.
Dietrich left Stranahan’s in 2019 for Blackened Whiskey (Metallica’s whiskey). Today Owen Martin holds the reigns of Master Distiller at Stranahan’s whiskey.
Stranahan’s has nationally available labels and a yearly distillery exclusive. The distillery exclusive known as Snowflake is experimental and a demonstration of the creativity of Stranahan’s master distillers. What I’m reviewing here, Mountain Angel, only in its third release, is an intentional demonstration of the artistry of American Single Malt. It is finally receiving a national release; albeit to selected retailers.
Before this release you had to be at the distillery when they chose to set it out, or happen across it at a liquor store in Denver. I know because I’ve been trying to track a bottle of this down since I first learned of its existence 3-4 years ago.
A 10-year-old American single malt whiskey is special. Off the top of this reviewer’s head I cannot name many other age-statement American Single Malts. Someone had to hit the ground with the age statements, and Stranahan’s has positioned itself well as the flagbearer for what American Single Malt should be. The competition is fierce mind you – my home state of Oregon alone boast several American single malt distilleries. Westward in the heart of Portland has been in operation for two-decades, and would argue they are the bellwether for American single malt.
Mountain Angel hit stores nationwide with an age statement and fancy packaging. There is buzz behind this release, and clout behind the distillery. Is this going to be the whiskey we recall in 15 years as the watershed moment for age statement American single malt? With that, we turn to the glass.
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Tasting Notes: Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10-Year Single Malt Batch 3
Vital Stats: 10 years old, bottles at 90.2 proof (45.1 abv) and SRP $99.99 at the distillery, or selected retailers nationally.
Appearance: Honey
Nose: This nose is captivating, absolutely sets the tone for this whiskey. To start I’m greeted by aged oak and pear. It is soft but shows off the depth of flavors. There is a touch of smokiness on the mid-nose, but if you let a little more air into the glass you find baking spices. It is approachable and delightful.
Taste: Salted caramels with stone fruits compote. There is charcoal acidity but it is muted against the fruits, flowers, and sugars. If you hold the whiskey on your tongue you experience a lot of fruit flavors, but this reviewer couldn’t place each of them. Peaches, pears, and apricots were what I found. Last hit of flavor before transition into the finish was a hint of nutmeg.
The mouthfeel is watery and goes quietly after each sip. After successive sips I started to get a few of the notes to hang around for a “finish”. What was present was nice enough. Soft whisps of caramel and soft leather, but it really didn’t stand out.
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