Stranahan’s Sherry Cask Bourbon – 47% ABV: A Bold Fusion of American Craft & Spanish Elegance

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask is not your everyday bourbon. This elevated expression, aged in Spanish Oloroso sherry barrels, brings together the boldness of American whiskey and the rich, layered flavors of Europe’s finest fortified wines. With a 47% alcohol by volume (ABV), this spirit offers a complex and luxurious tasting experience designed to captivate both whiskey aficionados and curious newcomers.

Whether you enjoy it neat by the fire, with a splash of water, or used to elevate a craft cocktail, Stranahan’s Sherry Cask provides a depth of flavor that sets it apart in today’s crowded whiskey market.

What Is Stranahan’s Sherry Cask Whiskey?

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask is a limited-release American single malt whiskey that begins its life much like the classic Stranahan’s Original — crafted from 100% malted barley and aged in new American oak barrels. But its defining feature? A finishing period in Oloroso sherry casks imported from Spain.

This final aging step imparts nuanced layers of dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate, beautifully complementing the malt’s natural sweetness and the robust profile of the 47% ABV whiskey.

Alcohol Percentage: 47% ABV — Why It’s Ideal

At 47% ABV (94 proof), this whiskey hits a sweet spot that appeals to both:

• Experienced whiskey drinkers, who appreciate intensity and complexity

• Casual sippers, who want something bold but still approachable

This level of alcohol gives the whiskey:

• A long, warm finish

• Excellent structure for sipping

• Enough muscle to stand up in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan

Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Malt and Sherry

Let’s talk taste. This isn’t your typical bourbon or single malt — Stranahan’s Sherry Cask is a sensory journey from start to finish.

👃 Aroma (Nose)

• Rich notes of dried figs, raisins, and toasted oak

• Underlying hints of maple syrup, spice, and dark chocolate

👅 Palate (Taste)

• Starts off sweet with molasses and caramel

• Evolves into baking spices, candied pecans, and a touch of orange peel

• Balanced tannins from the sherry barrels add depth and grip

🔥 Finish

• Long, warm, and layered with notes of sherry-soaked fruits, vanilla, and subtle smoke

Production Process: American Malt Meets Spanish Tradition

Base Spirit:

• Made from 100% malted barley, distilled in small batches

Initial Aging:

• Aged for 4+ years in new American oak barrels

Finishing:

• Finished in Oloroso sherry barrels from Spain for several months to add depth and character

Bottling:

• Bottled at 47% ABV with no chill filtration — preserving all the flavor

Ideal Ways to Enjoy Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

Because of its strong ABV and complex profile, this whiskey is extremely versatile.

🥃 Best Served:

• Neat – to fully appreciate the sherry influence and malt backbone

• With a few drops of water – opens up hidden fruit and floral notes

• On the rocks – for a smoother, more mellow experience

• In cocktails – adds richness to any whiskey-based drink

Recommended Cocktails

1. Sherry Cask Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

• 0.25 oz Demerara syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange twist

2. Velvet Manhattan

• 2 oz Sherry Cask

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 dash orange bitters

• Cherry garnish

3. Barrel-Aged Boulevardier

• 1.5 oz Stranahan’s Sherry Cask

• 0.75 oz Campari

• 0.75 oz sweet vermouth

• Stirred and served over a big ice cube

Packaging and Presentation

• ABV: 47%

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Label: Deep burgundy and copper tones, emphasizing the sherry barrel finish

• Cap: Sealed with wax — a nod to traditional bottling

• Price Range: Around $70–$90, depending on region and availability

Distillery Spotlight: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

Stranahan’s is one of the pioneering craft whiskey distilleries in the U.S., based in Denver, Colorado. Known for their American single malt expressions, Stranahan’s focuses on handcrafted, small-batch production, and their use of Rocky Mountain water and locally sourced grain adds to their distinct identity.

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask is a standout example of the distillery’s willingness to experiment and elevate the American malt category.

Quick Summary Table

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Stranahan’s Sherry Cask is more than just a finished whiskey — it’s a refined, well-balanced spirit that captures the best of both worlds. The bold structure of American malt whiskey pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness and complexity of Oloroso sherry.

If you’re looking for something elegant, flavorful, and just off the beaten path, this is a bottle that belongs on your shelf. Sip it slowly, share it with good company, and savor the craftsmanship in every pour.