Stranahan's Diamond Peak (750Ml)

Diamond Peak is the special annual release from Stranahan's in Denver. Like every Stranahan's bottle, it is a single malt whiskey made from 100% malted barley. The distillery handles it from grain to glass in small batches. The whiskey matures in new, charred American white oak.

The team picks older barrels for this bottling than for its flagship. In recent years each edition has also had its own cask finish, so details change from release to release. It is cut with Rocky Mountain water and bottled without chill filtering.

Your first sniff brings apple, caramel and toffee, wrapped in vanilla and warm baking spice. The palate is rich and a little oily. Honey and baked apple meet clove, cinnamon and firm oak. Launch notes for the first release also named cayenne and Mexican hot chocolate. The finish runs long, with black pepper and baking spice holding on at the end.

Reviewers often name it their favorite Stranahan's, and it is easy to see why. It has more depth than the core bottling while staying friendly and sweet.

Sip it neat, or let one big cube chill it a little. A rich Old Fashioned is another good use. At the table, try it with grilled steak, aged cheddar, smoked nuts or a slice of chocolate cake.

If you are curious about American single malt, this is a great way in. Fans of Scotch will find plenty to like, too. Since each release is limited, a bottle also makes a smart gift for a Colorado whiskey lover.