The original Colorado craft distillery, Stranahan’s has been a staple in the Mile High City for a long time. The Mountain Angel was not a bottle I expected to be reviewing on this site-it is not a bottle that is easy to find. Luckily we were able to acquire one of these bottles, and I am so happy we did. What an amazing pour it is.
In the Bottle:
Batch 1
Bottle #246/474
Mashbill:
100% Malted Barley (Locally Sourced Barley)
Age:
10 Years in new Charred American Oak barrels.
Proof (ABV):
94.6 Proof (47.3% ABV)
Distilled, Aged, and bottled in Denver, CO. Cut with Rocky Mountain Water
In the Glass:
Color:
Nose:
The chocolate notes from the malt are definitely present, although not the main focus on the nose, with vanilla, citrus, and dried and aged sweet fruit notes really coming through. Angie said it is reminiscent of a port with some of the notes.
Palate:
Sweet and light on the start, but really has a thick mouth feel. Creamy chocolate and vanilla complimented with baking spices on the mid palate, with a hint of something I can not quite place.
Finish:
Citrus orange peel with dark chocolate and vanilla that lingers for the perfect amount of time.
With a couple drops of water:
Nose:
The malty chocolate notes really popped with a couple drops of water, but it retains that port like quality that hangs around the nose.
Palate:
The baking spices become a little more forward, cinnamon especially, that really plays well with the citrus notes. The chocolate on the palate fade slightly.
Finish:
The citrus comes out more on the finish, and it lingers just a little less time.
Final Thoughts:
What an absolutely spectacular release this is from Stranahan’s. All of the flavors compliment each other terrifically, nothing is overpowering, and the oak isn’t the main focus even after 10 years. The Mountain Angel from Stranahan’s is one of the best bottles we have tried, exceeding all expectations I had. It is difficult to find, but if you stumble across one, don’t hesitate to pick it up as it is truly a special release.
