Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey (Discontinued)

Time for a re-review, though not a changed rating. The first time I tried this lovely dram, it was Game 3 of the 2016 World Series. The game sucked (it was a 1-0 loss for the Cubs, who stranded a ridiculous number of runners), but at least the whiskey was solid. That being said, a crowded North Side bar during the first World Series game ever played at Wrigley Field was not the best space for taking in the nuances of a single malt. Now, in my comfy chair, with no crowds or games to distract, I can bask in the flavorful glory of Stranahan's. It's worth noting that I am actually drinking a single cask offering rather than the standard bottling; it doesn't seem like there's a huge difference, if my memory serves, and both are bottled at the same ABV. The nose has a freshness to it, a bit minty, and (cheesy though it may sound) quite reminiscent of the Rockies in winter - snow and evergreens. There's a distinctly warm caramel note, and a pleasant graininess. The palate is really a delight, at turns revealing chocolate, peppermint (since I can evidently compare every whiskey to a confectionary product, this is York Peppermint Patties in liquid form), but also red raspberry jam, pine wood, and a drying spice finish with a tingly hint of sandalwood incense. The finish is a bit short, but that just lends a certain more-ish quality to the dram...can't have those lovely flavors go away, can we? At $50-ish, this is a great bottle.

Absolutely love this. Moderately complex but rich and fantastic mouth feel. The ABV really benefits from (and can sustain) a big rock of ice with a couple of ounces. A keeper that lives between a single malt and bourbon.