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Discover the Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery Tour in Colorado

Visit Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey—the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition and the birthplace of the modern American single malt movement. Located in Denver, Stranahan’s offers immersive tours that walk you through the grain-to-glass whiskey process, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging.
Why it’s special:
Stranahan’s is famous for its Rocky Mountain single malt, distilled entirely from malted barley and cut with Colorado mountain water—plus its iconic single-barrel Snowflake releases that attract hundreds of fans every year.

History/Story of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

Founded in 2004 by Jess Graber and George Stranahan (a physicist, rancher, and founder of Flying Dog Brewery), Stranahan’s helped pioneer American single malt whiskey. Beginning in a small industrial building and growing into a nationally celebrated brand, the distillery remains committed to handcrafted whiskey, local ingredients, and Denver’s gritty creative spirit.

What You’ll See & Do at Stranahan’s

Tour the brewhouse to learn how malted barley becomes mash
Watch fermentation tanks bubbling with active wash
Explore the still room with Stranahan’s copper pot stills
Step inside the barrel warehouse and learn how Colorado’s altitude affects aging
See the bottling line where every bottle is hand-signed by the distiller
Enjoy a curated tasting flight of Stranahan’s most celebrated whiskeys
Relax in the Lounge with whiskey cocktails and distillery-exclusive pours

Hands-On Elements: Aroma comparisons, malt sampling, guided tasting, barrel-aging temperature demos.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in most areas; ask before filming near the stills.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottles, exclusive distillery releases, Snowflake merch, glassware, apparel, barware.

Pricing of the Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery Tour

General Distillery Tour + Tasting: $15 per person
VIP Whiskey Tour (extended tasting + deeper production access): $25–$30 per person
R&R Whiskey Tour (Robust & Rugged): $60 per person
Designated Driver Ticket: $5
Ages 21+ for tastings; under 21 not permitted on production tours

Practical Info for Visiting Stranahan’s

Duration: 45–90 minutes depending on tour type
Format: Guided walking tour + tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours run daily; specialty tours offered on select dates
Working Hours: Typically 12:00 PM–9:00 PM; tour times vary
Audience: Whiskey lovers, craft-spirit fans, groups, Denver visitors
Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; production areas have some uneven floors
Safety & Restrictions:

Must be 21+ for entry
Closed-toe shoes recommended
Bags may be restricted in production zones
Languages: English
Group Visits: Private and corporate groups welcome
What to Bring/Wear: Valid ID, comfortable shoes
Facilities: Whiskey lounge, bar, retail shop, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: Production may not operate daily; Snowflake release weekends are extremely busy

Nearby

Breckenridge Brewery (Ballpark)
Great Divide Brewing Co.
Denver Art District on Santa Fe
Washington Park & Cherry Creek shopping district

FAQs About Visiting Stranahan’s

Do tours include tasting exclusive whiskeys?
Many tours offer pours from distillery-only releases or small-batch bottlings not sold in stores.

Can I see the bottling line in action?
Often yes—bottling shifts vary, but weekdays offer the best chance to see hand-signed bottles being filled.

What makes Stranahan’s whiskey unique?
All Stranahan’s spirits are 100% malted barley single malt, cut with Colorado mountain water and aged in new American oak barrels.

Is the Lounge open to non-tour guests?
Yes—the Stranahan’s Lounge serves cocktails, whiskey flights, and exclusive pours without a tour reservation.

When is the Snowflake release?
Snowflake is released annually in early winter; fans camp out overnight to purchase the limited bottles.