Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review

Stranahan’s Founder’s Release
Single Malt Whiskey
120 Proof
12 Year Aged
MSRP $199.99
Review

Please enjoy our Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review!

Stranahan’s Founder’s Release commemorates the historic moment on January 19th, 2025, when American Single Malt became the first new whiskey category to be recognized in over 50 years. For Stranahan’s, who have been making single malt whiskey in Denver for 20+ years, this was a truly meaningful moment.

The Details – Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review

Like every Stranahan’s single malt, Founder’s Release is made from 100% malted barley and cut with Eldorado Spring water, mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled entirely one mile high in Denver, CO. This whiskey was first matured in new, charred American white oak barrels. It was then finished in casks that had previously matured bourbon and blonde ale, for a total maturation time of 12 years. It was bottled at 120 proof, which is the highest proof whiskey that Stranahan’s has released on a national level. In addition, at 12 years old, Founder’s Release has one of Stranahan’s highest age statements.

Tasting Notes – Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass

👉🏻Nose: Maltiness, sweet apple pie filling, touch of sweet cherries, hints of cinnamon sugar; mild tart orange citrus; relatively mild alcohol vapor
👉🏻Taste: Simple syrup, light honey, sweet apples, tart orange citrus, malt, tannins
👉🏻Finish: Sugar sweetness turns to white pepper spice; cloves; tannins; increasingly dry; mild barrel char later on; very long; pleasant warmth

The nose of Stranahan’s Founders Release Single Malt Whiskey is reminiscent of a fresh apple crumble pie, with sweet fresh apple pie filling, just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar, a touch of sweet cherries and a bit of malted barley in its crust. After acclimating to the sweeter flavors, fairly subtle tart orange citrus becomes evident. The alcohol vapor is surprisingly mild for its 120 proof.

The taste starts off fairly sweet, from simple syrup, light honey and sweet apples, with a pleasant amount of malt. Soon, however, tart citrus and tannins develop, and continue into the finish where the sugar sweetness turns to a crescendoing white pepper spice. There’s a pleasant dose of cloves, as well. The mouthfeel becomes increasingly dry, and there is lingering spice, mild tannins and barrel char later on in the long finish. Deep down. is a very pleasant warmth.

High Expectations

I have been a Stranahan’s fan for quite a while, and I have to say, I had very high expectations for this whiskey. Not surprisingly, Stranahan’s Founder’s Release has met, if not exceeded, those expectations. The flavors are full and rich, with a nice transition from sweet apple crumble pie in the nose to lingering spice in the finish. If I could only cut that nose with a knife, put it in the oven for a few minutes, and then add a scoop of ice cream, I’d be a happy guy. Who does’t love a nice warm piece of apple crumble pie à la mode?

For my bourbon drinking friends out there, fear not! While the malt does make itself known, it brings a pleasant soft maltiness and fruit flavors, and is not at all overwhelming, like in some other American Single Malt Whiskeys. So don’t be afraid of giving it a try!

Conclusion – Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review

Overall, this is a delicious whiskey, and should appeal to single malt fans, American or otherwise. Apple crumble pie fans should like it too. Have you tried Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review! Would you like to learn more about the American Single Malt category? Then read our article: Standard of Identity For American Single Malt Whiskey Is Established By The TTB! You can also learn more about this whiskey in the press release.

This sample was graciously provided by the brand for my review.

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