Stranahan’s announced Founder’s Release: a special-edition, 12-year-aged, full-bodied whiskey at 120 proof – the highest proof liquid the brand has ever released on a national level. 

Founder’s Release officially commemorates the historic moment set to take place on January 19th when American single malt becomes the first new whiskey category to be recognized in over 50 years – a federal action and landmark event that immediately elevates American single malts alongside bourbon and other iconic American spirits. 

At 12 years old, Founder’s Release is among Stranahan’s highest age statements – a claim few other brands in its category can make.

“We’ve long carried a torch for American single malt, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it recognized as an official category,” Justin Aden, Head Blender at Stranahan’s, said in a news release. “Founder’s Release 12 Year Old is a celebration of this milestone, our two decades of craftsmanship, and everyone—especially our loyal Stranafans—who have bottled their passion and stayed the course alongside us.”

Stranahan’s cask strength limited edition Founder’s Release first matured in new, charred American white oak barrels before finishing time in casks that had previously matured bourbon and blonde ale for a total maturation time of 12 years. 

Like every Stranahan’s bottle, 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.

Stranahan’s was founded by Jess Graber, a one-time Colorado moonshiner who opened his state’s first legal, post-Prohibition distillery in 2004. He took a chance on a type of whiskey that few knew at the time, but he was bullish about from the start. Founder’s Release honors him and his craft alongside the category’s official recognition.

“They said we were crazy, and maybe we were, but we were believers in American single malt from the start,” Graber said. “It was time to wake people up to what American whiskey could be. And now, to see American single malt get the recognition and attention it deserves, all I can say is, it’s a very proud day.”

Fans in Stranahan’s hometowns of Denver and Aspen are also invited to a multi-day Designation Day celebration. Throughout the month of January while supplies last, the brand’s distillery and Aspen Whiskey Lodge will pour drams of four ultra-rare, iconic Stranahan’s whiskeys from deep in the vaults: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mark a historic event for American single malt whiskey.

Fans can be one of the first to order Founder’s Release by getting notified of its availability here, with delivery expected later this winter.

Read more: American Single Malt Whiskey Style Ratified by TTB

About Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

Founded 20 years ago as a category pioneer, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey American single malt whiskey is composed of 100% malted barley and cut with Eldorado Spring water, aged in new American white oak barrels. From grain to glass, Stranahan’s whiskey is distilled and bottled at its Colorado distillery, the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. To learn more, visit https://stranahans.com/.