What is a Whiskey Distillery?
Let’s start with the basics! A distillery is a facility that makes alcoholic spirits and whiskey is a product made from fermented grains. The type of grains used will influence the flavor and body of the distillate, and they are often blended as an expression of the master distiller’s unique intention.
All whiskey distilleries follow these steps in the journey to the final product:
- Malting. We germinate the grain to release its sugars.
- Mashing. Grains are ground up and mixed with hot water, resulting in a sludgy mass called mash.
- Fermenting. Yeast is added to the mash, which consumes the sugars and turns them into alcohol and CO2.
- Distilling. The fermented product is added to the still, where the vapor is captured and condensed into a liquid.
- Aging. The spirit is diluted before going into an oak barrel, where it will rest until it is bottled.
- Bottling. The spirit in the barrel is blended before bottling to achieve the desired style.
When you take a Stranahan’s distillery tour, you will see each of the above steps up close and find out how it all works. So many details make Stranahan’s unique, and our team is always happy to answer all your questions.
What Happens on a Whiskey Distillery Tour?
Whiskey distillery tours are generally about an hour in length and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the spirit is made. We start by telling the story behind Stranahan’s Whiskey and will walk you through our ingredients and the process that makes it the most-awarded American Single Malt.
Our whiskey distillery tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about our product, the brand, and the craft of making small-batch whiskey. They will never overwhelm you with jargon or scientific details you’ll never remember. It’s meant to be a fun tour, and we want to bring you into our world and provide you with useful information you can take with you when you leave.
You’ll tour the facilities and see our processes first-hand. We’ll show you the malting floor, fermentation tanks, beautiful pot stills, and awesome column stills. Then, we’ll visit the barrel room and talk about the art of blending and aging and how we achieve our house style. From grain to glass, every step has an essential purpose rooted in science and craft. It’s a fascinating experience you won’t soon forget!
By the end of your distillery tour, you’ll understand the whiskey-making process scientifically and gain some insight into what we do at Stranahan’s to make our products stand out.
Along the way, you’ll get to ask questions, and best of all—you’ll get to cap off your tour by sampling the finished product. All tour guests receive a $10 credit towards any purchase from the distillery’s general store.
How to Prepare for a Distillery Tour
If you’re wondering how to prepare for a distillery tour, it couldn’t be easier.
- Choose the experience that suits you best. Our American Single Malt Whiskey tour is the most popular, but you can also choose a Top Shelf tour, which includes a gift bag and tasting of our most premium products.
- Invite your friends. A whiskey distillery tour is always better when shared! Each tour accommodates up to 30 guests. It’s a great activity for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or any celebration!
- Book your tour. Our online booking page makes it easy to choose a time and date.
- Arrive five minutes early to check-in.
Tips to Ensure the Best Experience
- Tour guests must be 21 years or older
- Children and babies are not allowed on tours
- Please bring your ID
- Wear closed-toe shoes; no sandals or flip-flops!
- Cancellations are refundable if made at least 48 hours before the tour
Visit the distillery and discover the legacy, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of Stranahan’s Whiskey.
