Ctrexman
Stranahan's Blue Peak
American Single Malt — Colorado, USA
Reviewed
January 21, 2021 (edited February 27, 2022)
Found this guy for only 37.99 at specs so had to grab it. I have become a fan of American single malts (thanks to Balcones). Figured this would be good to compare. Poured neat, nose is spicy cantaloupe, scotch tape, pencil shavings and some toasted oak. Not a deep dark event but fresh and invitingly light. Mouthfeel is average without any oiliness. Palate is crisp with good depth. New make barley malts combine with more spiced melon and light barrel oak. You can work some more fruits in if you try. Its slightly astringent just a wee bit but not enough to kill the mood. There is some richness to the flavors but the youth is known for sure drinking hotter than the proof. Finish is nice long spicy oak tannin with the fruity malt hanging on trailing off to a dry tropical note. Its a very pleasant impression overall. There is baking spices simmering with the cantaloupe/melon vibe throughout. Im gonna run this against Lineage(think Balcones takes it) but no matter this is a quality single malt worth your time.......86/100....For under 40 bucks this is good value but much over 40 the Scots will smash their bagpipes on it imo
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@rfly1019 Ill keep a lookout for it
I've been enjoying the American Single Malts too and found a hidden gem, Town Branch 7yr Single Malt. Not sure of availability but if you see it I highly recommend grabbing a bottle.
FYI any astringency is gone after bottle breathes for a while. @CKarmios I agree at the lower end of the price spectrum the American malts compete quite well but the higher end age statement as well as peated scotches have nothing to fear....yet
"scotch tape and pencil shavings" - either a librarian or a teacher, and that goes for @BDanner too ... on a more serious note it sounds like American single malts are silently (some more loudly, vis-a-vis Balcones) creeping up on the Scots
@BDanner ..yes classroom =pencil shavings totally agree. This is the cantaloupe bomb and Lineage is the peach
Had a pour of this last night with your review fresh in my brain. The Scotch Tape, Pencil Shavings (a note that always takes me back to the classroom) and Cantaloupe where on full display. I think I like this a little better with every pour.
@soonershrink lol ....I know right its like a roll in the glass. Im sure Ill take Lineage as well but this is solid
Couldn't stop smelling scotch tape after you said that. I also get the tropical note you mention. Overall a nice whiskey, but I also lined it up next to Balcones Lineage, and the Lineage is not only better, but nearly 10 bucks cheaper, here at least.