Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey

Despite its high alcohol content, surprisingly smooth and rich. Begins sweet like a bourbon (banana, spice, caramel) although not quite *that* sweet; finishes like a good single malt scotch (leather, oak), dry and smooth on the palette. Only two years old, but tastes like it could be 12 or 15. It's an extremely unique taste, which will probably divide its tasters into lovers or haters. I'm a lover: a rich, interesting, unique whiskey to be had after ice cream or a nice meal of wild game. Finally, it's fun: an attractive but eccentric packaging, which includes its own metal shot and a handwritten note on each bottle, it's also rare and extremely difficult to acquire outside of Colorado.

I sampled this at a local speakeasy by the request of the very nice barkeep. I enjoyed the history and was intrigued by the cool bottle. It is actually signed by the person who bottled it AND what he was listening to at the time. I was excited to try this. Yet, I was disappointed. There was too much burn that masked the flavors underneath. The flavors that were present did not meld and felt like they were thinly layered, not fullness or depth. This wiskey needs to age another 10 yrs and it has the possibility to be darn good...just not now.

A little hot, but full of flavor. I compare it to a 100 proof rye in many ways. I can see how those used to weaker or more mellowed, aged whiskeys could object to this. However, each batch is slightly unique (and I've had 15-20 different batches), but delivers the same range of flavors, not found in other American whiskeys. I loved rum-or port-barrel finished, single-malt Scotch until I had this!

Can a whiskey taste like colors? Golden and amber. Warm and honeyed, with a drop of molasses on the finish. Legs like Charlize Theron. It's a beautiful whiskey. A new way to experience malt. Can't wait until I try it again. Loses a point for being so expensive.