I often celebrate #WhiskeyWednesday, but last weekend (June 22-24) I embarked in my first Whiskey Weekend as I traveled to Denver for Stranahan’s Rocky Mountain Single Malt Whiskey’s third annual Cask Thief Festival.
Whiskey lovers lined up like hypebeasts waiting for a new pair of Jordans to be treated to six barrel-finished whiskeys pulled from the depths of Colorado’s first legal whiskey distillery’s rack house to be shared for the first time. Hand selected by Stranahan’s Master Distiller Rob Dietrich, the whiskeys featured were The Cab Calloway, Char-lene, Jackpot!, Port in a Storm, Muscat Sally and $10,000 Bill.
Three of the barrels came from local Denver winery, Balistreri, after aging muscat (Muscat Sally), port (Port in a Storm) and cabernet franc (The Cab Calloway). The remaining three – Char-lene, Jackpot! and $10,000 Bill – are extra aged whiskeys.
Cask Thief was inspired by Dietrich’s love of experimenting with different cask finishes and sharing the whiskey with the community – it’s the same inspiration that created the distillery’s beloved Snowflake expression.
“We’re always looking for ways to give back to the local community that has passionately supported us over the past decade,” said Dietrich. “I love experimenting with different cask finishings to see how our original American Single Malt captures the nuances from the wood. It’s been interesting to see which flavor profiles resonate with our fans, and now with Stolen Sips, they can keep enjoying the experience at home.”
And enjoy I will. I came home with three bottles: Char-lene (finished in White American oak barrel with a #2 char), $10,000 Bill (bottled from the distillery’s 10,000th barrel) and Port in a Storm.
The fest also included food from “Top Chef” winner Hosea Rosenberg’s Blackbelly Market and Butcher, whiskey-inspired flavors from Sweet Action Ice Cream and Eldorado Springs water. There was also live music and a special coopering demonstration from Independent Stave Company.
Be sure to check back soon as we’ll be talking one-on-one with Rob Dietrich about Stranahan’s Cask Thief and his rock n’ roll roots.
