Wondering how to visit a whiskey distillery and make the most of it? Distillery tours are one of the best ways to enhance whiskey discovery. Whether you’re new to Stranahan’s, or new to whiskey entirely, this guide offers essential tips to maximize your whiskey tour experience.
Taking a distillery tour is an opportunity to get the insider’s edge and learn about the ingredients, processes, and people that make a whiskey unique. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started on your whiskey journey, there’s always something to learn.
Tours help you discover new flavors and expand your palate. You’ll hear the stories behind the bottle, and we guarantee you’ll come away inspired—especially after a Colorado American Single Malt whiskey tour at Stranahan’s, recently named Distillery of the Year by both the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards and the New York International Spirits Competition.
Best Whiskey Distillery Tour Tips to Enhance Your Visit
Let’s start with a few distillery tour tips to help you prepare for your visit.
- Plan your visit ahead of time. Some tours have limited capacity, so book ahead to secure your spot. Whether you’re diving deep on a Distiller’s Tour, tasting exclusive pours on the Top Shelf Experience, or learning to mix cocktails at The Shake Up class, there’s something for every whiskey fan. Explore all of Stranahan’s Tours & Experiences and make the most of your visit.
- Hydrate. You’ll be tasting several whiskeys. Drink plenty of water in advance; staying hydrated helps you make the most of the experience.
- Ask questions. Don’t be shy! Whiskey-making is a complex topic, and every distillery has its own philosophy, so no questions are too simple or silly. Most tour guides tailor their talks to every level of expertise, but there’s no shame in not knowing. You’re there to learn, after all!
Here are a few essential questions to ask on a distillery tour to deepen your understanding the craft of whiskey making:
- What makes American Single Malt different from a bourbon or a scotch?
- What makes distilling whiskey different from brewing beer?
- How does whiskey get its color?
- What kind of barrels do you use?
- How long does your whiskey stay in a barrel before bottling?
- How is aging whiskey in Colorado different than other regions in the world?
- Does the age of a barrel matter?
You can also ask about the distillery’s history or what makes their whiskey different from others in the market, or new releases, limited editions, distillery-only products, or experimental offerings, as there will almost always be one or two available. Based on what you learn during your distillery tour, you may have other questions. Nothing is off-limits. You’ve got an expert on hand to inform you; use your time wisely!
What to Expect On Your Distillery Tour
You’ll step into the heart of Colorado’s first legal distillery since Prohibition and embark on an unforgettable one-hour journey through our distillery. Along the way, you’ll explore the origins of Stranahan’s and what makes our American Single Malt so distinctive. The tour concludes with a guided tasting of four expressions that showcase the depth and range of our portfolio: Blue Peak, our approachable, Solera-finished American Single Malt; Original, the classic that started it all; Diamond Peak, our annual cask-finished limited release; and a rotating Distillery Exclusive—a rare, experimental whiskey only available at the source. It’s a chance to experience Stranahan’s where it’s made, one sip at a time.
Top Five Ways to Elevate Your Stranahan’s Distillery Tour in Denver
Distillery tours are just the beginning of the whiskey adventure at Stranahan’s—and the fun doesn’t have to end once the tour is done. Here are five more ways to take your visit to the next level.
- Stop by our Cocktail Lounge for a curated flight of Stranahan’s whiskeys. Design your own flight, or let our mixologists help you discover your new favorite lineup.
- If you loved the experience or an exceptional cocktail and want to go deeper, sign up for a volunteer bottling run at the Distillery in Denver.
- Browse our online store and order a few of your favorite bottles or exclusive barware, delivered right to your door.
- Become the ultimate American Single Malt whiskey VIP insider and apply to become a member of the American Single Malt Society.
- Bring home a souvenir. All tour guests get $10 off any 750mL bottle of their choosing from our distillery shop.
- Spend time with fellow whiskey lovers at the Cocktail Lounge. Our mixologists craft Denver’s best whiskey-cocktail menus, refreshed for every season, which you can enjoy at the bar or on the patio.
Book your distillery experience today and use these tips to make it even more memorable. We look forward to seeing you on a tour!
