I have always had a love-hate relationship with American Single Malt Whiskey. There are some bottles of single malts that I have really enjoyed, although there have been far more that I have really not cared for; call it a personal preference. Nonetheless, I heard amazing things about this bottle from Stranahan’s, and have enjoyed several of their special releases in the past. With that, today’s review comes from the Stranahan’s Distillery, celebrating their 20th anniversary, and is their Stranahan’s Founder’s Release.

Bottle Information

From the Stranahan’s website: Crafted with Stranahan’s® founder, Jess Graber, Founder’s Release, a 12-year old whiskey, celebrates 20 years of Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey. Predominantly unfinished, and at a robust 120 proof, it’s an homage to our founder Jess Graber’s style, including some ex-Bourbon and Blonde Ale cask finishing to reflect co-founder George Stranahan’s® brewing roots.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Stranahan’s
• Mash Bill: 100 % Malted Barley
• Proof: 120
• Age: 12 Years Old
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $215
• 2025 National Average: $259
• Official Website

For being a Colorado Distillery, this release is actually quite hard to find in the NoCo area. However, a bottle or two have shown in a few of the stores I visit regularly, and are priced near MSRP. Overall, I was very reserved going into this review, as I have not been a huge fan of Stranahan’s in the past, nor single malt whiskies in general. However, with amazing notes of cinnamon toast crunch, peach gummy rings, flat Coca-Cola, and mixed Harbro gummy candies, what is not to love about this pour! Dare I say this bottle could be a contender for 2025 whiskey of the year! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, Red Fruit, Vanilla, and Candy Peach Rings
• Palate: Cinnamon, Flat Coca Cola, Baking Spice, Vanilla, Mixed Harbro Gummy Candies, and Dry Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Lasting Notes of Sweet Gummy Candy, Dry Oak and Cinnamon
• My Rating: Save It! (Dare I say whiskey of the year… and I am not a fan of single malt whiskey, but this could change my mind!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®