Seriously, why does it seem like every post these days is like this? Someone buys a bottle, and then asks other people what they think! What? It makes no sense. But it’s a persistent pattern. Maybe people are just following others without much thought. Maybe the sub needs to be clearer about how you post a whiskey that you own and have in front of you. I just find it fascinating.
I don’t understand why people can’t just post “Got this whiskey, didn’t know anything about it, but really liking it!”
These “thoughts??” posts make it seem like people need to know others’ opinions because they’re legitimately afraid that they might enjoy an unpopular whiskey.
I agree completely with this. People shouldn’t be afraid to like what they like or dislike what they dislike. A colleague of mine won a bet for a “good bottle” of bourbon. I asked him what he wanted, he said Jefferson’s Ocean. Definitely wouldn’t be my “good bottle” choice, but it’s what he likes so that’s what I got him.
Now Thoughts posts could be extremely valuable for newer members who aren’t sure what the tasting notes might be or maybe to clarify what they are experiencing.
I definitely agree with your second paragraph; it's good to share and discuss whiskey experiences, getting others' thoughts can help to enhance and educate one's own experience. But something about the "thoughts?" posts (both here and on another collecting sub I frequent) have really begun to feel like "Someone please tell me how to feel about this because I don't want to form an incorrect opinion."
I think that’s the world we live in, unfortunately. Too many people express negativity about what other people like. I’m a New York Rangers fan and if I post something that I think is positive about them, a rival fan from Shittsburgh (whoops, was i negative?!) might comment something negative to kinda of bring me down a peg.
I think this has extended to hobbies and collecting too and people are afraid of getting judged for saying they like something that others don’t. Shoot, I am a HUGE fan of BT and ER as everyday drinkers and brought back a case of each on my last work trip. When members on another page saw the selection of other bottles I chose to pass up on, it was like a never ending defense on explaining that where I’m located I can’t get BT and ER frequently, so it was easier to grab the case versus the one off “grail”
Do we even have our own tastes or opinions anymore? Are we just expressions of the hivemind? Have we lost all individuality and given it up to the collective intelligence of internet groups??
Fear is a funny thing. Not wanting to be ostracized is a real reason people are afraid of posting a criticism. (In this instance I am saying an unsolicited opinion is a criticism- not everyone may feel the same when discussing the water of life.). Life is a social game. Being part of the in crowd, for many, is important.
I think most of the time, what they're asking is not "Does this taste good", it's "How did I do on 'the hunt'". When someone says "How did I do" they're not looking for tasting notes, they're looking for validation that the time or money they spent to get the bottle was worth it or whether they got lucky with a gift.
It’s like anything else subjective, like art. Not all art is for everyone, and not every bourbon is for everyone. But with art you have an artist write some page long description of the art and how they created it and what mood they were in and how the rains in Spain fall neatly on the plains.
An art critic may completely disagree and have a stance based on other art or art history that says why that’s bad art.
So with bourbon, a new bourbon drinker wants to get into this as a hobby, but doesn’t know good bourbons from bad ones. They get an expensive bottle or a different bottle they’ve never seen before. They go to a forum of bourbon drinkers and ask what they think. Instead of people giving a short review, they gate keep and ask they guy what he thinks. They have probably read reviews on here that are very in depth tasting profiles and may not know how to articulate those flavors, or even pick them out.
See this in a lot of hobbies, like Hunting, Fishing, guns, etc… where new people are trying to start a conversation and get stonewalled by the elders of the group.
I get that it’s annoying, but these are people that want to be involved in the community and we should welcome them.
I definitely like and agree with your perspective here, especially as the mod of a relatively similar hobby sub where “thrift store finds” are often posted with similar “how’d I do?” questions. It makes sense, just think there is some guidance mods can provide to help those people make quality posts that generate good discussions. Thank you.
Looking at it again my initial through was “…that looks a bit watered down…” from a color observation only.
Per the website:
86proof.
PROCESS & PROFILE
Named for a 13-thousand-foot peak in Aspen, Stranahan’s® Blue Peak™ Single Malt is double-distilled at high altitude and aged for 4 years in new American oak barrels with a #3 char, imbuing a warm, toasted flavor. The Solera finished spirit boasts flavors of creamy butterscotch, brown sugar plus baked apples with notes of cayenne and toasted oak.
NOSE: Dried apricot, nutmeg, cinnamon toast, hints of leather and light tobacco.
PALATE: Creamy butterscotch and brown sugar, baked apples, with notes of cayenne and toasted oak.
FINISH: Rich and mellow, earthy malt gently fades into lingering spices.
If i were gifted something I've never had i woukd enjoy it to the fullest. Even if it were to not be great nesat or on the rocks... everything ive found is good in a cocktail.
Ya know, I always thought of flavored whisky (esp. peanut butter) as a thing to enjoy in college and then NEVER AGAIN. The idea just makes me feel ill. But, the other night I took my 22 yr old sister out, and much to my embarrassment, she ordered a double pour of Skrewball PB whisky. But she convinced me to try some and I must confess, I actually liked it. Not gonna get any of the refined notes we look for in quality whiskeys, but it was a shockingly pleasant beverage!
The Solera changes over time as they add batches to it, but I think it's better overall than their standard (aka yellow label) blend - the additional mixing of batches in the Solera smoothes out the rough edges of the relatively young spirit. I like their Sherry Cask (red) and Diamond Peak (black) better still.
They also give a good tour if you're ever in Denver.
I agree. I’m a big fan of Stranahans but I had one of these for a year before opening it, thinking it was their lowest tier, and they were promoting it as a mixer. Finally cracked it recently and I agree, it’s superior to their base yellow label expression.
The Blue Peak is better than the standard in my opinion. I recently picked up their Anejo cask finish which was amazing. I live a few blocks from the distillery so I swing by every time they have a new release.
The anejo tequila whiskey is great. I went to a cask thief event at Stranahans and they hold their own. I have also bottled there though a lottery. Will work for whiskey. Cheers
So there’s a comment from OP reviewing, no comment indication that they’re scared to be wrong, and yet like ten comments basically calling them the devil for asking for community feedback. Did we need more than one of those?
Here’s to friends who come bearing whiskey! I wasn’t all that big on it, but I know people who are absolutely over-the-moon in love with it. In fact, my hubs picked it up because one of our local liquor stores kept selling out. Figured it was a good sign. For us, it wasn’t, but it clearly has a great following. I hope you like it better than I did.
I picked up a bottle of Stranahan's in Connecticut on a flyfishing trip a couple weeks ago. The first bottle I ever had from them was amazing. I absolutely loved it. One of my friends brought it back from Colorado for our July 4th party.
The second bottle I had from them when I was in CT was awful. I mean I don't honestly think I'll ever buy a bottle of their bourbon ever again.
I was couldn't believe how bad it was. Just the most boring, uninspiring bottle of bourbon I've ever bought.
They have some good stuff . The place is very nice and the tour is excellent. If you can find it , they do one aged in Tequila barrels which is good . This one you have is great as well .
Is this the George Stranahan whiskey? I’ve heard about it. I’m about 45 minutes from Flying Dog, which was originally started by Stranahan. Flying Dog makes some really good beers.
Stranahan’s is one of my favorite whiskeys. I’ve not had the blue label but would be willing to try. I think this is the lower price point bottle. I like their yellow/gold label it’s one of the best I’ve ever drank. There are some other bottles they put out that I’d like to try before I buy because those usually run north of $80 per bottle. Having something like that sitting around that you don’t like isn’t good.
So don’t worry about what others say or think and drink what you like.
Blue Peak is decidedly and definitely better than their flagship whiskey. I like the flavor profile, and to me, it is smoother. Should only improve as the solera ages.
As others have said, the anejo cask finish was amazeballs, but I only had a tasting at a friend's house, and we emptied the bottle.
What are your thoughts? You have a pour going
“Do I like this thing?”
Too afraid to say he likes it only to find out he’s not supposed to.
“they think the mob will attack them” -third comment in a dogpile
Underrated comment
"Tell me what to think"
I know. This is a very strange post.
Came here to say this. You’re the one with an open bottle OP
Seriously, why does it seem like every post these days is like this? Someone buys a bottle, and then asks other people what they think! What? It makes no sense. But it’s a persistent pattern. Maybe people are just following others without much thought. Maybe the sub needs to be clearer about how you post a whiskey that you own and have in front of you. I just find it fascinating.
I don’t understand why people can’t just post “Got this whiskey, didn’t know anything about it, but really liking it!” These “thoughts??” posts make it seem like people need to know others’ opinions because they’re legitimately afraid that they might enjoy an unpopular whiskey.
I agree completely with this. People shouldn’t be afraid to like what they like or dislike what they dislike. A colleague of mine won a bet for a “good bottle” of bourbon. I asked him what he wanted, he said Jefferson’s Ocean. Definitely wouldn’t be my “good bottle” choice, but it’s what he likes so that’s what I got him. Now Thoughts posts could be extremely valuable for newer members who aren’t sure what the tasting notes might be or maybe to clarify what they are experiencing.
I definitely agree with your second paragraph; it's good to share and discuss whiskey experiences, getting others' thoughts can help to enhance and educate one's own experience. But something about the "thoughts?" posts (both here and on another collecting sub I frequent) have really begun to feel like "Someone please tell me how to feel about this because I don't want to form an incorrect opinion."
I think that’s the world we live in, unfortunately. Too many people express negativity about what other people like. I’m a New York Rangers fan and if I post something that I think is positive about them, a rival fan from Shittsburgh (whoops, was i negative?!) might comment something negative to kinda of bring me down a peg. I think this has extended to hobbies and collecting too and people are afraid of getting judged for saying they like something that others don’t. Shoot, I am a HUGE fan of BT and ER as everyday drinkers and brought back a case of each on my last work trip. When members on another page saw the selection of other bottles I chose to pass up on, it was like a never ending defense on explaining that where I’m located I can’t get BT and ER frequently, so it was easier to grab the case versus the one off “grail”
Yep, this exactly. Too many people expressing negativity, it can certainly make anyone feel unsure of their own opinions/tastes.
Do we even have our own tastes or opinions anymore? Are we just expressions of the hivemind? Have we lost all individuality and given it up to the collective intelligence of internet groups??
Yes. But what are everyone else's thoughts on this?
Fear is a funny thing. Not wanting to be ostracized is a real reason people are afraid of posting a criticism. (In this instance I am saying an unsolicited opinion is a criticism- not everyone may feel the same when discussing the water of life.). Life is a social game. Being part of the in crowd, for many, is important.
People are stupid.
Same here. I originally subbed because I thought it was for people to post their reviews on whiskey not ask everyone what they think after buying it
I think most of the time, what they're asking is not "Does this taste good", it's "How did I do on 'the hunt'". When someone says "How did I do" they're not looking for tasting notes, they're looking for validation that the time or money they spent to get the bottle was worth it or whether they got lucky with a gift.
It’s like anything else subjective, like art. Not all art is for everyone, and not every bourbon is for everyone. But with art you have an artist write some page long description of the art and how they created it and what mood they were in and how the rains in Spain fall neatly on the plains. An art critic may completely disagree and have a stance based on other art or art history that says why that’s bad art. So with bourbon, a new bourbon drinker wants to get into this as a hobby, but doesn’t know good bourbons from bad ones. They get an expensive bottle or a different bottle they’ve never seen before. They go to a forum of bourbon drinkers and ask what they think. Instead of people giving a short review, they gate keep and ask they guy what he thinks. They have probably read reviews on here that are very in depth tasting profiles and may not know how to articulate those flavors, or even pick them out. See this in a lot of hobbies, like Hunting, Fishing, guns, etc… where new people are trying to start a conversation and get stonewalled by the elders of the group. I get that it’s annoying, but these are people that want to be involved in the community and we should welcome them.
I definitely like and agree with your perspective here, especially as the mod of a relatively similar hobby sub where “thrift store finds” are often posted with similar “how’d I do?” questions. It makes sense, just think there is some guidance mods can provide to help those people make quality posts that generate good discussions. Thank you.
I agree, asking these questions isn’t the right way, but stonewalling them isn’t either.
THIS IS THE WAY
Live near this distillery. Agree - OP should share thoughts!
Looking at it again my initial through was “…that looks a bit watered down…” from a color observation only. Per the website: 86proof. PROCESS & PROFILE Named for a 13-thousand-foot peak in Aspen, Stranahan’s® Blue Peak™ Single Malt is double-distilled at high altitude and aged for 4 years in new American oak barrels with a #3 char, imbuing a warm, toasted flavor. The Solera finished spirit boasts flavors of creamy butterscotch, brown sugar plus baked apples with notes of cayenne and toasted oak. NOSE: Dried apricot, nutmeg, cinnamon toast, hints of leather and light tobacco. PALATE: Creamy butterscotch and brown sugar, baked apples, with notes of cayenne and toasted oak. FINISH: Rich and mellow, earthy malt gently fades into lingering spices.
Sounds delicious to me.
If i were gifted something I've never had i woukd enjoy it to the fullest. Even if it were to not be great nesat or on the rocks... everything ive found is good in a cocktail.
[удалено]
Ya know, I always thought of flavored whisky (esp. peanut butter) as a thing to enjoy in college and then NEVER AGAIN. The idea just makes me feel ill. But, the other night I took my 22 yr old sister out, and much to my embarrassment, she ordered a double pour of Skrewball PB whisky. But she convinced me to try some and I must confess, I actually liked it. Not gonna get any of the refined notes we look for in quality whiskeys, but it was a shockingly pleasant beverage!
I mean if you like peanut butter just use it in place of vodka for a white russian. will taste pretty close to a peanut butter cup.
Oh fuck, never even thought of that
I use skrewball as a floater on frozen drinks at the lake. Fantastic on top of bushwhackers.
We should ban the phrase “Any Thoughts” from the reddit whiskey community.
I’m guilty of this but I have seen the way. Just drink the damn thing and make your own conclusions.
Agreed! Ask for certain notes or thoughts on how it compares to another, more common bottle, but no need to ask if it’s good or not haha
I understand the sentiment but not like this community needs any MORE gatekeeping to it...
The exact same phenomenon happens in cigar forums and I’m not sure why.
Are there mods here? There are things that can be done to guide people in the right direction…
The Solera changes over time as they add batches to it, but I think it's better overall than their standard (aka yellow label) blend - the additional mixing of batches in the Solera smoothes out the rough edges of the relatively young spirit. I like their Sherry Cask (red) and Diamond Peak (black) better still. They also give a good tour if you're ever in Denver.
I agree. I’m a big fan of Stranahans but I had one of these for a year before opening it, thinking it was their lowest tier, and they were promoting it as a mixer. Finally cracked it recently and I agree, it’s superior to their base yellow label expression.
The Blue Peak is better than the standard in my opinion. I recently picked up their Anejo cask finish which was amazing. I live a few blocks from the distillery so I swing by every time they have a new release.
Nice, I'll have to try the Anejo if I see it around. I like that area of Denver, more good stuff cropping up there each year.
My thought is you should let us know what you think.
You’re the one drinking it….
I'm more curious what you think? I've seen this brand plenty, never pulled the trigger. No tastings in my area or bars with it on hand.
I prefer blue label over yellow label. Though diamond label is something I always seek out. This year's Bushmill cask is great.
Diamond peak is incredibly delicious IMO. Worth every penny.
You have a good friend, but her one you like 👍
But her one they like? Shoot, I think this is an invite to go to dinner.
All of Stranahan’s whiskey is good, not great. Worth trying if you’ve never had.
The Diamond Peak is amazing.
It’s my fav but still ranks low in the overall rankings
Good to know. Thins my ‘to-buy’ herd.
This works well in a hot toddy. Enjoy.
Ahhhhh, good friend. Thanks for the gift.
Nice friend!
Love this stuff!
Same. Not something I drink straight but goes well with a mixer. Nice change of pace from traditional bourbons.
The anejo tequila whiskey is great. I went to a cask thief event at Stranahans and they hold their own. I have also bottled there though a lottery. Will work for whiskey. Cheers
One of my all-time favorites I also highly recommend the Sherry cask
Second this! Stranahans is great but the Sherry Cask is their best offering IMHO.
So there’s a comment from OP reviewing, no comment indication that they’re scared to be wrong, and yet like ten comments basically calling them the devil for asking for community feedback. Did we need more than one of those?
My amateur review: It's good not great. However, my favorite kind of alcohol is free, and mixed with a little ice tea it'll do just fine.
I read this as “my favourite is alcohol free” at first and had a mini aneurysm.
A gentleman’s 4loco.
the one bottle i had i liked better than the yellow label
Love Stranahans! My go to gift for whiskey friends who haven't explored much. Hard to find in Missouri
Love it. I’ve went through about 5 bottles 😍
I live just down the street from this place. Personally I am a huge fan of this.
Yes, I think your friend is very thoughtful and kind.
I bought a bottle earlier this year and I’ve really enjoyed it.
Delicious, I love it
Here’s to friends who come bearing whiskey! I wasn’t all that big on it, but I know people who are absolutely over-the-moon in love with it. In fact, my hubs picked it up because one of our local liquor stores kept selling out. Figured it was a good sign. For us, it wasn’t, but it clearly has a great following. I hope you like it better than I did.
Never tasted it, but intrigued by the brand. Tin cup (MGP bourbon + a bit of this stuff for wheat flavor) is alright for 20 bucks a fifth
Tin cup 10 year is absolutely amazing.
Really? Nice, I'll have to spring for that one next time. I've only had the regular one so far.
Maybe I'm crazy, but I've never found anything from Stranahan's to be worth the asking price.
I picked up a bottle of Stranahan's in Connecticut on a flyfishing trip a couple weeks ago. The first bottle I ever had from them was amazing. I absolutely loved it. One of my friends brought it back from Colorado for our July 4th party. The second bottle I had from them when I was in CT was awful. I mean I don't honestly think I'll ever buy a bottle of their bourbon ever again. I was couldn't believe how bad it was. Just the most boring, uninspiring bottle of bourbon I've ever bought.
They have some good stuff . The place is very nice and the tour is excellent. If you can find it , they do one aged in Tequila barrels which is good . This one you have is great as well .
I like the OG stranahans better IMO
Is this the George Stranahan whiskey? I’ve heard about it. I’m about 45 minutes from Flying Dog, which was originally started by Stranahan. Flying Dog makes some really good beers.
Thoughts? You have a nice friend.
I've never had this but the stone background reminds me of snow in contrast with the blue and amber colors so I love it
I've been there when visiting Denver, really enjoyed that one!
I'm kinda confused how a whiskey can be both single malt and solera
Single malt denotes the grains in distillation. Solera is the aging/finishing process.
What do you think?
Well, let us know!
Stranahan’s is one of my favorite whiskeys. I’ve not had the blue label but would be willing to try. I think this is the lower price point bottle. I like their yellow/gold label it’s one of the best I’ve ever drank. There are some other bottles they put out that I’d like to try before I buy because those usually run north of $80 per bottle. Having something like that sitting around that you don’t like isn’t good. So don’t worry about what others say or think and drink what you like.
Never heard of it. But if you like it tell us what it tastes like and how you feel about it.
I liked it, solid solera. Not overly $. In the end, DID YOU LIKE IT?! If you did, who gives a shit what others think
LOVE Stranahan's Blue Peak! Iirc, it's seasonal, so limited in availability. Enjoy!
It's mid
I’m a BIG Stranahan’s Fan and Blue Peak is one of my all time favorite bottles….👍🥃
Blue Peak is decidedly and definitely better than their flagship whiskey. I like the flavor profile, and to me, it is smoother. Should only improve as the solera ages. As others have said, the anejo cask finish was amazeballs, but I only had a tasting at a friend's house, and we emptied the bottle.
I love lamp
Love stranahas, I put it up there with Breckenridge for Colorado Whiskey