Why people are camping out in sub-zero temperatures for a bottle of whisky
“It’s one of those things where it’s once in a lifetime”
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Your support makes all the difference.Every December, hundreds of whisky fans queue through the night to get their hands on a bottle of Stranahan’s whiskey.
The patient booze enthusiasts line-up outside the Denver distillery in freezing cold temperatures, some even since 6pm the night before, but why?
The brainchild of master distiller Rob Dietrich – also known as Whiskey Rob – Stranahan’s Snowflake is released just once a year and, if you want to get your hands on a bottle, you must pick it up in-person.
Born from a desire to experiment with different styles of barrel aging, Dietrich matures the brand’s original whisky in a unique variety of barrels for an impressive two years.
This means that no two Snowflake releases are ever the same, making them a truly one-of-a-kind tipple.
“I always try to out Snowflake Snowflake every year,” Dietrich told Munchies.
“That’s what we do as Americans—we break traditions and make traditions.”
Dubbed as Stranafans, the dedicated whiskey fanatics are in for a long wait, and with temperatures known to reach a chilly minus 9, they always come prepared.
“Whiskey. It’s a sweater for your insides, right? We brought a propane heater and two tanks of propane,” says Eric Spery.
“We got a tent and sleeping bags—and we have lots of whiskey.”
Fellow Stranafan, Jacob Krouse adds, “It’s one of those things where it’s once in a lifetime. This batch is one of a kind.”
Because of its rarity, Snowflake is limited to just two bottles per person, costing $100 each.
“We’re very much about the Colorado community,” Dietrich says.
This year, 1,400 bottles of the latest expression, Crestone Peak, are available but once they’re sold, they’re sold.
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