Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is making waves in the world of barrel aged beer. A little over a year ago the small distillery was purchased by Proximo Beverage, a huge conglomerate out of New Jersey who promised to take them global. They promise that the quality of the whiskey will remain in tact. (Think Goose Island/InBev) A couple of weeks ago their Master Distiller, Jake Norris, decided it was time for him to move on from Stranahan’s. Probably not a good sign right? But what is this to craft beer?
Stranahan’s has since announced that they will no longer sell their whiskey barrels to breweries outside of the state of Colorado. Stone Brewing, Cigar City Brewing, and Nebraska Brewing are just a few among the many who have previously aged their brews in these barrels and will no longer be able to do so. The reason cited – “We were concerned that people from outside of Denver were using them to capitalize on our provenance and terroir.”
Also, breweries are no longer allowed to use the Stranahan’s name on labels. Interestingly, both Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine and Dry Dock’s Bligh’s Barleywine Ale are both to be released this month and have both been aged in Stranahan’s barrels. Old Ruffian will display the name on the label while Bligh’s will not.
