Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey opened its Snowflake vault for the first time by auctioning off past Snowflake Expressions.
Stranahan’s Snowflake is one of the rarest American single malts and most anticipated releases in American whiskey. Only available for one day at the Denver distillery, the annual Snowflake release has a cult following of whiskey collectors who brave the cold for 36+ hours to get their hands on a bottle.
While the release of Batch 23 will look different and take place this February, Stranahan’s kept the spirit of Snowflake alive last month with the Snowflake Vault Auction, allowing fans and whiskey collectors access to 25 bottles from 2015 to 2019 through this digital auction. All sales from Stranahan’s Snowflake Vault Auction will benefit the local community affected by the Colorado wildfires, with 100% of proceeds going to the Colorado Firefighters Association and Stranahan’s matching all proceeds up to $25,000. Available Snowflake expressions included 2019’s Batch 22 Mount Bross, 2018’s Batch 21 Mount Elbert, 2017’s Batch 20 Quandary Peak, 2016’s Batch 19 Crestone Peak and 2015’s Batch 18 Longs Peak.
We spoke with Stranahan’s Head Distiller Owen Martin (seen above) early last month, about the auction as well as what’s upcoming for the distillery.
The Whiskey Lifestyle: What inspired you all to open up the vaults?
Owen Martin: When we made the difficult decision to postpone the release of Batch 23, we really wanted to find a way to keep the Snowflake spirit alive this year. We decided the best way to celebrate was to open our Snowflake Vault for the first time and offer our fans an opportunity to get their hands on a rare past expression via this digital auction.
TWLS: What will the starting bid be for bottles?
OM: Bids will start at various rates for the different expressions, with the most recent release starting at $150.00 and the oldest release starting at $500.00
TWLS: There are so many worthy causes out there, how did you all decide on the Colorado Firefighters Foundation?
OM: Stranahan’s has always been dedicated to its home state of Colorado. With the recent Colorado wildfires that blazed through the state and destroyed many homes, we wanted to do our part to help. We specifically chose to work with the Colorado Firefighters Foundation because firefighters are near and dear to our founding story. As you may know, our founder -Jess Graber – was a volunteer firefighter, and the brands roots began when Jess responded to a barn fire of his neighbor George Stranahan.
TWLS: What delayed the release of Batch 23? And given the fervor for previous batches, how will you all handle the release in February?
OM: Stranahan’s made the difficult decision to delay the release of Snowflake Batch 23 in an effort to preserve our beloved tradition, and to ensure we are following state guidelines designed to promote public health and safety.
Currently, the release of Snowflake Batch 23 is scheduled for February 27th at a Denver location other than our distillery. This location will allow for the event to be held with proper social distancing and otherwise in accordance with government mandates. We will, of course, continue to monitor health and safety protocols and guidance leading up to this time.
TWLS: Do you have a personal favorite Snowflake batch?
OM: I’d say Batch 22, Mount Bross is my favorite Snowflake because it’s the first expression where I was leading the charge in its development. It’s also the oldest Snowflake we’ve ever released, and No previous Snowflake has had an oak profile as pronounced as this one. These heavy tannins from the older whiskeys have married beautifully with the sweeter notes from the maple syrup, port and cognac casks, pushing the boundaries of our Snowflake series and American single malts in general.
