The title has been awarded to a brand that is already recognized in the industry.

A close-up of a sommelier savoring whiskey in a cellar setting.

Stranahan’s Whiskey, famous for producing American single malt right from Denver, has achieved a significant milestone at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition by claiming the title of “Best in Class” in the American Single Malt category. This recognition has brought Stranahan’s to the forefront in a competitive whiskey landscape.

This award is considered one of the highest honors within this competition, which is esteemed as one of the most significant events in the spirits industry.

Stranahan’s Single Malt Whiskey

Established in 2004, Stranahan’s was among the pioneering distilleries in the United States to concentrate on American single malt—a style traditionally linked to Scotch whisky. However, Stranahan’s does not seek to replicate Scotch. Instead, they have found a unique place in the market by producing a distinctly American spirit. Their whiskey is crafted from 100% malted barley, distilled in small batches, and matured in new charred American oak barrels.

The decision to use new oak barrels is crucial to Stranahan’s signature taste. While Scotch is typically aged in previously used barrels, Stranahan’s imparts a robust and bold character to its whiskey, featuring flavors such as caramel, oak, and spice. Additionally, the exceptional climate of the Rocky Mountains—with its high altitudes and fluctuating temperatures—plays a significant role in the aging process, resulting in a whiskey that stands out from traditional single malts.

The distinguished flavor profile of Stranahan’s captured the attention of judges at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their American single malt exhibits a rich interplay of sweetness and warmth, highlighted by notes of toasted oak, dark fruit, and a hint of spice. This whiskey is both bold and accessible, appealing to both experienced whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers to the category.

Achieving the title of “Best in Class” at this prestigious competition is certainly an impressive accomplishment. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is renowned for its stringent evaluation process, which features a panel of industry experts.

The brand’s Original whiskey secured a Gold medal at the previous year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition and garnered a Double Gold in 2021. In addition, it has received accolades at the SIP Awards, New York International Spirits Competition, LA Spirits Awards, and several others.

Stranahan’s success serves as a significant boost for American single malt whiskey overall. This category has been building momentum in recent years, as an increasing number of U.S. distilleries delve into the possibilities offered by barley-based whiskey. While bourbon and rye continue to dominate the American whiskey landscape, single malt is gradually establishing its own foothold. Other notable brands in this segment include Westland, Balcones, and Virginia Distillery Company.

For numerous whiskey enthusiasts, Stranahan’s recent accolade serves as an inspiration to delve into the expansive realm of American single malt. This style merges age-old methods with innovative American craftsmanship, resulting in a spirit that feels both familiar and intriguingly distinct.

Apart from the Original American Single Malt, the brand features several distinctive offerings: For those in search of a unique experience, the Sherry Cask edition matures their single malt in Oloroso sherry barrels, infusing it with a delightful complexity of dried fruit and nutty undertones.

Additionally, Stranahan’s presents the Blue Peak, a whiskey inspired by mountainous terrains, which is aged using a Solera system. This process imparts a smooth and intricate profile, complemented by notes of vanilla and roasted nuts. For those in pursuit of something exceptionally rare, their Snowflake release is an annual limited-edition selection that undergoes aging in an assortment of casks—from rum to port—ensuring that each batch is a unique discovery.

Stranahan’s wasn’t the sole whiskey label to receive a Best in Class accolade at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits and Ready to Drink Competitions. Other distinguished winners included King’s Family Distillery, honored for Best American Blended Whiskey, Starboards for Best Australian Single Malt Whiskey, and Eau Claire Distillery for Best Canadian Whiskey.

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