$35

Blue Peak Single Malt is the latest American single malt whiskey from Stranahan’s Distillery out of Denver, Colorado. The company states that Blue Peaks is “named for a 13-thousand-foot peak in Aspen and inspired by the alpine scenery of the Rocky Mountains.” The whiskey is aged for 4 years in 53 gallon, new American oak barrels with a #3 char. Additionally, Blue Peak utilizes a solera finish. According to Stranahan’s, the aged Blue Peak “is transferred into new American oak foeders for several months. Once the liquid is fully married, a portion of the mature whiskey is removed, cut to proof with pristine Rocky Mountain water and chill filtered. Meanwhile, newly harvested whiskey is added to the remnants to marry. Since the foeders is never emptied, the solera process allows for continuous marriage, maturation, and flavor development in the whiskey it holds.” This is the first Stranahan’s bottle to not feature the company’s unique metal cap that can be used to measure a perfect 3 ounce pour. NOSE A concoction of light scents immediately greets you consisting of baking chocolate, malted grain, and ripe green grapes. Digging deeper are additional light scents of hay, marshmallow, and oak. Overall the lighter nature of the nose isn’t that much of a surprise considering the whiskey’s 86 proof. While it may seem like an odd combination of scents, they mingle together surprisingly well and create a pleasant opening of the sip. palate Bold baking chocolate, malt, and sweet vanilla take center stage. Dissecting deeper reveals scents of light dried raisins and dry oak. It’s surprisingly sweet yet just dry enough to keep it grounded. Full of subtle and balanced flavors, it’s a really great midpoint of the sip. finish While the nose and palate tend to stretch Blue Peak’s lower proof surprisingly far, the finish falls more in line with what you would expect for an 86 proof whiskey. A quick burst of chocolate malt comes forth, however, as quick as it rises it also is quick to start fading. In its wake is a fleeting light malt and grounded earthy flavor note that mixes with a touch of heat. Compared to the nose and palate, it forces the sip to end on just an average note.