Stranahan’s Celebrates American Single Malt Ratification With 12-Year Founder’s Release

Stranahan’s Founder’s Release pays tribute to this historic moment. The expression is amongst the oldest Stranahan’s whiskeys ever to be released.
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The Stranahan’s Founder’s Release 12 Year Old is a celebration of a historic milestone. Credit: Stranahan’s

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has announced the release of a special edition 12 Year Old Founder’s Release. The launch comes in anticipation of the American single malt category being officially ratified this Sunday. 

Stranahan’s Founder’s Release pays tribute to this historic moment. The expression is amongst the oldest Stranahan’s whiskeys ever to be released, with the age demonstrating the distillery’s longstanding commitment to producing American single malts. 

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Stranahan’s Founder’s Release 12 Year Old 

The Founder’s Reserve American Single Malt was distilled from 100% malted barley and matured in new, charred American oak casks before a finishing period in ex-bourbon and ex-blonde ale casks. The resulting 12 Year Old, according to the brand, “is rich with milk chocolate, coffee cream liqueur, pecan and nutmeg on the nose and palate, while amaretto, bubbly cream soda and clove spice round out the finish.” 

“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,” said Justin Aden, Head Blender at Stranahan’s. 

“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.”

Fans can sign up to be notified of the Founder Release’s availability and price on the Stranahan’s website

Jess Graber (left) and Justin Aden (right). Credit: Stranahan’s

‘They Said We Were Crazy’ 

The distillery, located in Denver, Colorado, has been a pioneering force in the world of American single malt. Established in 2004, Stranahan’s was founded by Jess Graber who took a chance on American single malt in an industry dominated by bourbon. The federal recognition of the American single malt category shows just how far the style has come, and this special release highlights Stranahan’s contribution.

Speaking about the recognition of the category, Graber said: “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!”

“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,” added Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits, Stranahan’s parent company. “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.”

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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