Our Most Legendary Whiskey Release EVent
SNOWFLAKE
Since 2009, this annual December tradition has drawn dedicated fans to Denver for a chance to claim our most coveted release. Crafted from rare and worldly cask finishes, no two Snowflake expressions are ever alike—making each bottle a true collector’s prize.
No Two Snowflake EXPRESSIONS Are Alike
Once a year, on the first Saturday of December, we release Snowflake, a single-batch American Single Malt whiskey showcasing a symphony of bold and unexpected cask finishes. No two Snowflake expressions are alike, making each bottle a collector’s must-have.
Dedicated Stran-a-fans gather at Snowflake Village in Denver, braving the elements for a chance to take home this rare release—an experience as unique as the bottle itself. Mark your calendar and plan ahead to be part of this annual tradition!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SNOWFLAKE
As the legend of Snowflake has grown, so has the tradition surrounding its release. Enter Snowflake Village—a festive gathering that kicks off the Friday before the big day. Those waiting for their coveted Snowflake bottles can soak in the excitement with live music, games, cocktail bars, and more, transforming the wait into a true winter celebration. The festivities continue into Saturday morning, culminating in the highly anticipated release of Snowflake bottles.
For the ultimate fan experience, onsite camping is available, allowing you to fully embrace the tradition and join fellow enthusiasts in the excitement leading up to the release.
Levels of Access:
- Standard Camping Admission: Begins Friday, December 5 at 9am. Early check-in and access to Snowflake Village (open at 2pm) with live entertainment, food trucks, and special events.
- Long-Term Camping: Begins Thursday, December 4 at 9am. For those wanting to secure their place even earlier and immerse themselves in the Snowflake experience. Early registration is required for those that want to participate in camping on Thursday. Register HERE, limited spots are available.
- Sign up for the Stranahan’s email list to be the first to know when camping spots will become available this year.
Event Highlights:
- Snowflake Batch #28 bottles, available for one day only on Saturday, December 6
- Snowflake Camping, available Thursday & Friday (registration required for Thursday campers)
- Snowflake Village, an all-day whiskey festival experience complete with live music, cocktail bars, and interactive activations
- Food trucks, serving a curated variety of dishes throughout the event
OUR LEGACY IN AMERICAN WHISKEY
Leading the American Single Malt Category
Stranahan’s is proud to stand at the forefront of the official American Single Malt designation, leading the way with award-winning craftsmanship and a bold Colorado spirit.
At Cask Thief, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to taste these exceptional whiskeys firsthand, crafted with the expertise and passion that set Stranahan’s apart as the most awarded American Single Malt.*
Sign Up For SNOWFLAKE Alerts
Be the first to know about all things Snowflake, Stranahan’s most sought-after annual release.
SNOWFLAKE FAQ
-
WHAT IS SNOWFLAKE?
Snowflake is an annual bottle release at Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver, Colorado, showcasing an array of rare and worldly cask finishes harmonized into one bottle of American Single Malt. As in nature, no two Snowflakes are alike—each year’s release is unique and produced in limited quantities. Since its first release in 2011, Snowflake has become one of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world, drawing fans from across the country.
-
Can I camp leading up to the release?
Yes! We will have designated camping areas to make your wait a bit more comfortable.
Long term camping will begin on Thursday, December 4 at 9am. Early registration is required for all those who are looking to join on Thursday.
Standard camping will begin on Friday, December 5 at 9am. This will be done on a first come, first served basis.
-
Will parking be available?
Onsite parking will not be available. We strongly encourage guests to use ride-share services or public transit, with a designated loading zone for drop-offs.
-
How early can I arrive?
A limited number of long-term camping spots open Thursday, December 4 with standard camping beginning Friday, December 5. If you plan to camp on Thursday, pre-registration is REQUIRED. Please note that Thursday registration is now FULL and we will not be able to accommodate any additional campers until Friday. Registration is not required on Friday, December 5.
-
What time does Snowflake Village open?
Snowflake Village will open on Friday, December 5 at 2pm.
-
What bands are playing in Snowflake Village?
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5:
Vinyl DJs
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Grant Sabin
6:25 PM – 8:00 PM
Jess Graber & The Highway 82 Band
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bison Bone
10:25 PM – 11:55 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6:
Jess Graber & The Highway 82 Band
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
-
Is it free to enter Snowflake Village?
Yes! Snowflake Village is free to enter, with live music, entertainment, and food trucks available for all attendees. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
-
HOW MANY BOTTLES CAN I BUY?
Guests will be able to purchase up to three 750ml bottles.
-
What is the price of bottles?
750ml bottles are $119.99 before taxes.
-
What time will the bottle be released?
As per tradition, the exact release time is not announced in advance.
-
Can I order online or reserve a bottle?
No – Snowflake is only available in person at Stranahan’s distillery, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- How early do I need to arrive to receive a bottle?
-
Can I leave and re-enter the line?
No – your numbered wristband guarantees your place in line but cannot be transferred if you leave the festival grounds.
-
Are dogs allowed?
Only service animals are permitted within Snowflake Village and the distillery.
-
Will the Visitor Center be open during Snowflake?
The Distillery Lounge and Store will be open on Friday from 11am – 8pm. Both will be open on Saturday exclusively to Snowflake campers until bottles sell out. The full Visitor Center will close on Saturday once Snowflake bottles sell out.
-
How large of a tent can I bring? Can I bring my RV?
We strongly encourage guests not to bring tents that are larger than a 6 person capacity. We cannot guarantee space will be available. Select RV spots will be available Thursday in the annex lot only. If you would like to bring an RV, you must RSVP ahead of time at the link HERE. We can only accommodate a select number of RVs, so we expect this to fill up fast.
*Update – all RV and camper spots are now full. Only Friday tent campers can be accommodated at this time.
-
Can I stake my tent?
No, please plan on bringing something to weigh down your tent.
-
Can I bring outside food or alcohol?
Outside food is permitted – we will also have food trucks for the duration of the festivities. Outside alcohol is strictly forbidden. It will be confiscated during check-in or in Snowflake Village, if visible.
Food trucks will be onsite on Friday from 12pm – midnight and Saturday starting at 6:00am.
-
Can I leave and re-enter the line?
No, unless you are willing to forfeit your spot in line. At arrival, you will be given a numbered wristband. This will confirm your spot in line and allow you to explore the various festivities around the distillery that will be available leading up to the actual release. If you leave the festival grounds, you will not be permitted to re-enter the event with your existing spot in line.
-
Do I have to be 21 to enter the distillery property?
Yes. Valid IDs will be required before checking into Snowflake Village.
-
Is this event ADA accessible?
Yes — both Snowflake Village and the distillery are ADA accessible. Guests are responsible for arranging their own accessible camping accommodations if needed. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please email [email protected] before the event so we can help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.
-
If I don't plan to buy a bottle, do I need a wristband to wait in the Snowflake line?
YES. If you are part of a larger party and do not plan to buy Snowflake bottles, you still must register and receive a numbered wristband to be granted access to the Snowflake line.
*Claims based on 2020 – 2024 award results; third-party audit conducted by Avid Marketing Group.
CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SNOWFLAKE? GET THE MOST AWARDED AMERICAN SINGLE MALT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
ORIGINAL
Born in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and handcrafted from barley to bottle in our distillery.
BLUE PEAK
Distilled at high altitude, aged in new American oak barrels, and Solera finished.
SHERRY CASK
Our latest innovation & expression in single malt. Finished in 500-liter Oloroso Sherry Barrels.
DIAMOND PEAK
Our annual limited release of special cask-finished whiskeys we prize most.
