Stranahan's Sherry Cask

I've been revisiting some bottles from when I first started drinking whiskey and was still residing in Colorado. This particular bottle was a farewell present from an old friend just before I relocated to Texas. We shared memorable experiences at the Stranahan's distillery in Denver. I'm uncertain if they still offer it, but in their early days, you could volunteer to fill bottles for a day on a Saturday, and as compensation, you'd receive a complimentary bottle. Good times! This specific bottle was from their initial batch of sherry cask finishing. As with any finishing process, it requires several batches to perfect the duration in sherry casks. This first batch was slightly overdone, with the sherry overpowering the whisky a bit excessively. Fortunately, I appreciate Stranahan's signature profile of oily brown sugar and grilled peaches, and those characteristics still emerge on the palate once the sherry's intensity subsides. The finish is as long and warming as one would anticipate. I'm confident that the team at Stranahan's has refined their finishing technique by now. The value isn't outstanding at $92, but it's quite reasonable when compared to other sherry-finished American Single Malts from prominent distilleries like Westland or Balcones. Regardless, it's a flavorful bottle and a pleasant trip down memory lane. The most cherished bottles aren't always the most expensive, but rather the ones shared with companions and associated with happy recollections. Cheers!

This seemed like an obvious choice given my appreciation for sherried scotch. Smelling it neat reveals notes of strawberry cheesecake, sweet fruit gum, malt, a hint of ginger, and mild oak from the barrel. It’s not profoundly complex, but there’s no harsh alcohol presence. The taste bursts with abundant sherry fruitiness. Malt, barrel, and spice are present but secondary to the intense sherry character of this American whiskey. The flavors are well-rounded without being excessively heavy. The finish echoes the sweet dark fruit, followed by a malty barrel note that subtly dries out, accompanied by bright ginger. While the unaged spirit’s presence is detectable in this well-made American single malt, can it stand up to Scottish offerings? I believe it can, showing some youthful edge and vibrancy, but ultimately providing a delightful malt experience. While I’d prefer certain sherried single malt Scotches, if you’re a fan of Stranahan’s, this is definitely worth purchasing; it’s a quality spirit……………………….86/100...It surpasses Blue Peak, but its price point detracts from its value.

I genuinely desired to appreciate this whiskey. I waited longer than usual to write a review because my prior experiences with this spirit involved it irritating my throat and causing stomach discomfort, each time. Yet, I maintained optimism! This bottle has approximately 1/4 remaining. Unsure of how long it's been open, possibly around 1 year. It remains quite raw, by no means refined, but it does possess a small amount of appeal. Nose: Aromas of dried and fresh red fruit, malt, and caramel are pronounced, along with some nuts and a hint of ethanol. Palate: A slight sharpness upon entry, it has a thick and somewhat velvety texture with more fruit, malt, and caramel, plus a touch of baking spices. Finish: Extended, peppery, and subtly bitter.

Pretty pinkish hue, leaving a thin film in the glass. It smells of dark red wine and fruit alongside some vanilla oak, just like a full Porto character. The palate is hit with charred grain and port, then evolves into candied fruit, caramelized sugar, leathery tannins, and smoky cocoa and oak. The sweetness vanishes fast, leaving a dry, spicy, and puckering finish. While I enjoy port and wine-finished spirits, this exhibits one of the most intense Porto flavors I've encountered. It might be too much. The cask strength is fine, but it honestly seems quite young. I'll try it again later, perhaps with a bit of ice, to discover if and how its profile develops.

A prominent aroma of luscious papaya, toffee, dried apricots, and rum-infused raisins. My initial impression was, "Did they thoroughly empty the sherry barrels first?" The taste is more brown and purple, for lack of a better description. Toasted almonds, more of those raisins, a bit of sweet tobacco, and dried prunes. It's certainly sweet on the palate, but not nearly as thick as the aroma suggested. There's a slight astringency on the finish, but it's not detrimental; rather, it seems to cleanse the palate of excessive sweetness. It's unfortunate I no longer smoke cigars; this would have paired nicely.

What a pleasant surprise! I had no idea Colorado could produce Single Malts, much less quality ones. This pours forth with notes of cherry cream pie and strawberry shortcake. It’s a fantastic aroma that diverges slightly on the palate. Sweetness persists, but it’s joined by tastes of pine wood and damp oak. It evokes the sensation of being in a woodland while enjoying a cherry pie. This is another excellent after-dinner whiskey, full of wonderful character and taste!