Stranahan’s distillery opens satellite “whiskey lodge” in the mountains

Denver-based Stranahan’s distillery marks its 20th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, the whiskey maker is tracing its roots back to Aspen with a new tasting room and restaurant opening in March in the mountain town.

The Aspen Whiskey Lodge, at 307 S. Mill St., serves alpine-inspired dishes alongside drams and cocktails featuring the distillery’s original spirits.

It opens March 9 and given its proximity to Aspen Mountain, head blender Justin Aden expects it will be a popular après ski destination.

“My favorite part was seeing all the dogs in the park while drinking whiskey. That was pretty cool,” he said.

As the story goes, Stranahan’s was born after volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a barn fire at George Stranahan’s property in Woody Creek; Stranahan, who died ...