Stranahan’s 10th Annual Cask Thief Event Offered Rare Sips of Magical Whiskeys

(Photo: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey)

For a decade now, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has opened its barrelhouse to whiskey fans for one day for Colorado’s most anticipated and immersive tasting experience: Cask Thief. Held every May at the Denver distillery, this one-day celebration of rare single malt draws connoisseurs from around the country eager to “thief” whiskey straight from hand-selected barrels and, if they find a favorite, take home a bottle that exists nowhere else — or multiple bottles!

This year’s Cask Thief event took place Saturday, May 17. I wasn’t on site but did have the chance to sit down with Stranahan’s Head Blender Justin Aden for a tasting of three of the 2025 Cask Thief expressions. Let’s explore!

Rhymes with Orange

Proof: 113.8

Finished in casks that previously contained vino de naranja — Spanish orange wine — this whiskey spent more than half of its six-and-two-thirds-year aging period in these distinctive barrels. The vino de naranja barrels in question were originally used to age oloroso sherry. In their next life, they held white wine macerated with orange peels, creating the VDN.

Nose: Bright and vibrant with a spice-dusted citrus edge. Orange peel, cinnamon, clove and ginger dominate without overpowering.

Taste: Viscous and drying, it delivers toasted marshmallow, butterscotch and brown sugar. A restrained burnt orange note plays nicely with the underlying apple and pear fruit notes typical of Stranahan’s.

Finish: The long finish leans dry and spiced — orange rind, clove, cinnamon and sweet butterscotch leave a lingering warmth.

Overall: A very nicely balanced pour. The orange wine finish is present but doesn’t overpower, allowing the base malt to shine through. It’s sweet, spicy and subtly exotic — a real standout.

An Eye for a Tokaji

Proof: 115.6

Finished in casks that previously contained Hungary’s famous sweet wine, Tokaji, this whiskey spent five and a half years in new American oak before being transferred to Hungarian oak Tokaji barrels for an additional two years. The result is a layered, wine-forward dram that impresses from the first sniff.

Nose: Rich and dessert-like, the whiskey opens with sweet notes of cookie dough and crème brûlée, paired with a dark, oaky profile — char, coffee and black licorice — creating a heady, decadent aroma.

Taste: Oily and mouth-coating, this stunning single malt balances cherry and apple with baking spice and toasty oak. Notes of gingerbread, nutmeg and the tannic sweetness of dessert wine mingle together seamlessly.

Finish: The finish is gorgeous — warming, deeply complex and goes on for ages. There’s char, red apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, potpourri and an interesting rubbery (I know that sounds weird, but it’s definitely meant in a good way) note. There’s big oak and bold tobacco. It closes on a sweet powdered sugar note with fleeting red fruit.

Overall: One of the best Stranahan’s expressions I’ve tasted. Its complexity, structure and everlasting finish make it a showstopper. The Tokaji barrels bring depth and elegance to the already rich base whiskey.

Holy Proof! (VIP Barrel)

Proof: 133.8

As a special release for the 10th anniversary of Cask Thief, VIP attendees (and lucky remote tasters like me) sampled this cask-strength version of Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10-Year, pulled straight from the barrel. At nearly 134 proof, it’s a bold yet approachable pour.

Nose: Rich and massively expressive, with confectioner’s sugar, pear, green apple, blackberry and crème brûlée. A hint of smoked orange peel adds depth.

Taste: Blackberry jam leads, followed by a wave of savory umami and spice — clove, anise, and allspice. It’s bold and drying, yet well integrated for the proof. The blend of blackberry and umami character reminds me a great deal of Stranahan’s Founder’s Release, a 12-year-old expression that dropped earlier this year and is one of our favorite releases of 2025 thus far.

Finish: The finish takes a big turn toward smoky oak and tropical fruit — especially mango — giving the finish a fresh twist and a sweet payoff.

Overall: Complex and compelling. Despite its high proof, it drinks smoothly and with purpose. This is rich, spicy and packed with personality.

Final Thoughts

Even from afar, Stranahan’s Cask Thief event delivered.

Whether it’s a Tokaji-finished beauty, a citrus-laced Spanish twist or a bold 10-year-old, cask-strength monster, each pour showcased the innovative spirit that’s come to define Stranahan’s over the past decade.

If you’re sleeping on Stranahan’s, you shouldn’t be. It’s one of America’s finest distilleries — single malt or otherwise. And An Eye For Tokaji and Holy Proof! are two of the best whiskeys I’ve tasted all year.