Stranahans Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey 750ML

Stranahan's Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey 750ML is a limited annual release American single malt whiskey bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml bottle. As part of Stranahan's most acclaimed series, Diamond Peak showcases special cask-finished expressions that have drawn critical praise — Drinkhacker awarded a release in the series an "A" rating, and The Whiskey Wash scored it 91 points.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Denver, Colorado, USA  |  American Single Malt, Cask-Finished  |  Distillery: Stranahan's

Production & Heritage

Stranahan's holds the distinction of being Colorado's first legal distillery since Prohibition, operating out of Denver. Diamond Peak is distilled entirely from 100% malted barley and produced in small batches, with initial aging in virgin American oak barrels with a #3 char. What sets the Diamond Peak series apart is its annual rotation of unique cask finishes — past releases have been finished in Bushmills Irish single malt barrels for over three years, extra añejo tequila casks for roughly two years, and Caribbean rum casks sourced from the greater and lesser Antilles. Each vintage presents a distinct flavor profile built on the distillery's rich malt backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Opens with raisin and fig, layered with chocolate-covered candied oranges and dried apricot. Deeper inhalation reveals espresso and old cedar, anchored by a crème brûlée sweetness.

Taste: The entry delivers chocolate malt and semi-sweet chocolate chips, transitioning at mid-palate to a berry mix with orange slices. Hazelnut and brown sugar round out the peak, with bright fruit notes adding complexity depending on the specific cask finish of the release.

Finish: Dry with medium length and a thick, mouth-coating texture. Lingering notes of dark chocolate and toasted oak fade slowly.

How to Drink Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak is built for sipping neat or with a few drops of water to open up the malt complexity. Given its limited nature and layered profile, neat service at room temperature reveals the most nuance. For cocktail use, it works particularly well in a Rob Roy, where the chocolate and dried fruit notes complement sweet vermouth; a Blood and Sand, where the berry and orange character aligns naturally with the cocktail's citrus elements; and an Old Fashioned, where the rich malt base stands up to bitters and a sugar cube without losing definition.

Best For

• Gifting a serious whiskey collector who values limited annual releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing American single malts against Scotch
• Celebrating a milestone with a distinctive, small-batch Colorado whiskey
• Expanding a home bar beyond bourbon into the American single malt category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Diamond Peak taste like? Diamond Peak delivers a rich profile anchored by chocolate malt, dried fruit, and semi-sweet chocolate, with hazelnut and berry undertones. The finish is dry with medium length and a thick, coating texture.

How does Diamond Peak compare to Westland American Single Malt? Both are 100% malted barley American single malts, but Diamond Peak uses virgin charred American oak as its base aging vessel and rotates unique cask finishes annually, while Westland emphasizes a broader range of permanent expressions with various cask types. One reviewer noted that aside from Westland's releases, Diamond Peak stands as one of the best American malts available.

Is Diamond Peak good for sipping neat? Diamond Peak is ideally suited for neat sipping — its layered malt character, moderate 45% ABV, and thick texture reward slow, contemplative drinking without requiring dilution.

Where is Diamond Peak made? Diamond Peak is distilled and aged at Stranahan's distillery in Denver, Colorado. Stranahan's was the first legal distillery in Colorado since Prohibition.

What foods pair well with Diamond Peak? Dark chocolate truffles amplify the cocoa and espresso notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complements the malt sweetness. Grilled stone fruit like peaches echoes the dried apricot character. Charcuterie boards with fig preserves mirror the dried fruit on the nose. Crème brûlée doubles down on the caramelized sugar present in the aroma.

What sizes does Diamond Peak come in? Diamond Peak is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Diamond Peak worth the price? Diamond Peak positions as a premium limited-release American single malt, priced above Stranahan's core Original expression. Its annual limited availability, cask-finished complexity, and strong critical reception place it competitively within the upper tier of the American single malt category.

Why Diamond Peak?

Diamond Peak represents the pinnacle of Stranahan's lineup — a distillery that helped establish Colorado as a credible whiskey-producing region. Each annual release introduces a different cask finish, making every vintage a distinct collectible rather than a repeat purchase. The 100% malted barley base, small-batch production, and initial aging in #3-charred virgin American oak create a foundation sturdy enough to absorb and balance bold secondary cask influence. For drinkers exploring American single malt whiskey beyond the usual bourbon and rye landscape, Diamond Peak is one of the category's most compelling arguments.