Why Do People Wait for Hours in the Freezing Cold for Stranahan’s Snowflake?

By Ann Binlot Published November 30, 2017

Just like real snowflakes, no two batches of Stranahan’s Snowflake are alike. The carefully crafted whiskey blend is so coveted that, each December, eager enthusiasts line up around Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver, Colorado, in the freezing cold as early as a full two days before they open their doors at 8 am. This year’s Stranahan’s Snowflake will be released on Saturday, December 2, and people are excited to line up for their two bottles.

stranahans snowflake line — Image used with permission by copyright holder

“I always create it by nose and taste, and so it’s our single malt whiskey that will age in our American oak barrels for three-and-a-half years, from a different wine barrels from all over the world,” says Stranahan’s master distiller Rob Dietrich.

Recommended Videos

Then, once the whiskey is finished, it’s transferred to used wine, sherry, cognac, tequila and rum barrels, resulting into the special taste for which Stranahan’s Snowflake is known: bold, spicy, rich and fruity. The exact combination all depends on the year’s blend. “It’s an in-house marriage of different barrels,” quips Dietrich. The 2017 release was finished in a mixture of cognac, Sangiovese, port, Madeira, and three rum barrels.

stranahans snowflake line — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Stranahan’s Snowflake is so popular that people will fly or drive in from out of state just for the opportunity to take home two bottles of the limited edition whiskey blend. “There’s an excitement about it, there’s community about it, there’s camaraderie, it’s very much that pack mentality,” said Dietrich.

The entire occasion turns into a party where those in line will get together and have a good time. People will throw on their warmest winter gear, bring games, hang out — one person even fired up a batch of chili for everyone waiting line. Someone called this year asking if he could bring his smoker and grill ribs. “I will go out there at 3 o’clock in the morning on the day of the release,” says Dietrich. “I always walk the line. There are 500 people out there, camping.”

And the best way and time to enjoy a glass of Stranahan’s Snowflake? “I definitely suggest drinking it neat or with one ice cube, just to open it up, but definitely a celebratory time, so if it’s your anniversary, or your birthday or Christmas, that’s the time to break out a bottle,” says Dietrich.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…

Topics

Food & Drink

This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne

Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot

Renault Winery

I lived in South Jersey for most of my life, yet I was completely unaware that such a popular winery with a rich history was right here in my backyard. The Renault Winery's story dates back nearly 156 years, when Louis Nicholas Renault left his hometown in France to set sail for California and later settled in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times but still retains one unique trait that sets it apart from other wineries.

While most wineries in the U.S. are not allowed to call their sparkling wine champagne, Renault Winery has a notable historical exception. This historical privilege dates back to when Louis Renault requested a special permit from French authorities in the 1870s that allowed his wines to be labeled as champagne. Since the winery is grandfathered in, it can still safely call its blueberry sparkling wine "Blueberry Champagne", unlike other companies in the U.S. that must refer to it as a sparkling wine. Today, visitors can take a walking tour of Renault Winery and experience a wine tasting, diving into the history of this special winery.

Food & Drink

Aquavit: the centuries-old spirit that’s more than just “black death”

What exaclty is aquavit?

Alcohol tasting: Aquavit, Bitter orange snaps, Bask, Arrack punsch

If you’ve ever been to Iceland, there’s a chance a local tour guide has offered you a chance to partake in a less-than-appealing local rite of passage. I’m talking about eating fermented shark followed by a shot of Brennivin. I, like many travelers to Iceland, have taken part in this life-changing experience. I can tell you that the shark is the biggest acquired taste I’ve ever been a part of.

The Brennivin, on the other hand, was actually memorable in a good way. Even though it’s referred to as “black death,” this strong Icelandic spirit is a neutral spirit made from potatoes. It gets its unique flavor from the use of caraway seeds. It’s the country’s main type of Aquavit and it's the national drink. But it’s definitely not the only country that makes this unique spirit. You might be wondering what Aquavit is.

Food & Drink

Oskar Blues dresses up its beer in denim for the summer

A timeless look for some classic ales

Dale's Denim Pale.

Colorado brewery Oskar Blues is bringing back a limited-time favorite with the return of the Denim Dale's line. The release features a couple of flagship beers treated to cans inspired by your favorite pair of jeans. The light summer beers are available now through Labor Day Weekend.

"Last year’s denim beer case was a statement of rebellious independence – and people got it. This year, we wanted to take it even further,” says Aaron Baker, Oskar Blues brand director. “So we wrapped the can itself in denim. It’s a celebration of individuality, utility, and American grit – all things denim and Dale’s share at their core. Whether you’re cracking one open at a dive bar or tossing it in your cooler for a weekend outside, this is a beer that wears its character on its sleeve – or in this case, its can.”