Stranahan’s debuts Founder’s Release single malt

American single malt producer Stranahan’s has released a new whiskey in honour of the category’s federal designation.

On 19 January, American single malt became an official category as recognised by the US government's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). To commemorate the occasion, Colorado-based Stranahan’s has unveiled Founder’s Reserve, a 12-year-old whiskey bottled at 60% ABV – the highest proof the brand has released on a national level. “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,” head blander Justin Aden said. “We’ve long carried a torch for American single malt, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it recognised 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.” Founder’s Release was first matured in new charred oak barrels before a finishing period in casks that had previously aged Bourbon and blonde ale. On the nose, it shows notes of milk chocolate, flat cherry cola, and nutmeg, while the palate brings chocolate hazelnut spread, bubbly cream soda, and clove spice. Like all Stranahan’s releases it is made from 100% malted barley and cut with Eldorado spring water. Located in Denver, Stranahan’s was founded in 2004 by Jess Graber as Colorado’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Age statements in the pipeline By committing to American single malt, Stranahan’s is able to release more advanced age statements for the category, and Founder’s Reserve honours Graber’s chance, and the craft alongside it. “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,” Graber added. Throughout the month of January, while supplies last, the brand’s distillery and Aspen tasting room will pour four rare whiskeys for customers to taste. In December, the TTB approved guidelines for American single malt more than two years after they were submitted. For brands like Stranahan’s, the decision comes after years, if not decades, of consumer education, and validates their pursuit as whiskey makers. “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,” Lander Otegui, senior vice-president of marketing at Proximo Spirits, Stranahan’s parent company, said. “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.”