Stranahan's Whiskey
Colorado's first legal distillery since prohibition, Stranahan's Whiskey has been crafting the No. 1 American Single Malt Whiskey in their downtown Denver distillery since 2004.
The Made Shop had long been admirers of the whiskey before we were asked to join the team and reimagine the brand. Over the span of 7 years now we have transformed every piece of the visual identity, packaging, merchandise, and marketing. Along the journey, we helped redesign the distillery tour and tastings, created an elaborate coffee table book, and oversaw the design and release of two new whiskeys: Diamond Peak and Snowflake.
Disciplines
- Logo & Visual Identity
- Web Design & Development
- Illustration & Art
- Print Collateral
- Marketing
- Interior Design
- Signage & Wayfinding
- Packaging Design
- Merchandise
A new mark
for an old favorite
Photo by: The Media Grind
The yellow 'sash' was already iconic when we started our work. We immediately decided to keep the distinctive color and shape as we began redesigning the brand and bottle.
Each label is handwritten and lovingly applied (at just the right angle) by eager volunteers who join the crew for weekend bottling parties.
Reimagining the Distillery
Soon after redesigning the brand and bottle, we set our sights on transforming the distillery from a utilitarian factory into a new destination for tours and tastings.
Photo by: The Media Grind
Stranahan's demand and growth exploded: Distribution had been confined to Colorado, but quickly expanded nationwide.
To meet the rush of interest, we expanded our creative direction and design to all parts of the experience.
Photo by: The Media Grind
Two new siblings join the stable: Diamond Peak & Snowflake
Photo by: Media Grind
We created an exquisite black label for Stranahan's Diamond Peak: A striking single malt hand crafted in small batches from the most distinct casks.
Photo by: The Media Grind
Photo by: The Media Grind
Snowflake, Stranahan's rarest release, is wrapped with a silver winter sash. As in nature, no two Snowflakes are alike.
Photo by: The Media Grind
Zealous fans grab silver tickets and camp out at the distillery once a year on the single winter's day when Snowflake is released.
Despite the rarity of the release, diehard fans find camaraderie rather than competition in line together.
Photo by: The Media Grind
Well Built: The Book
To celebrate the 10th anniversary, we created a collectible coffee-table book to tell the complete Stranahan's story.
Cask Thief
Cask Thief is Stranahan's annual celebration of the rarest barrels. Guests are invited to steal a taste directly from six unique casks — the rare, the misplaced, and the forgotten — each pulled from the depths of the rack-house for the first time.
Photo by: Media Grind
Photo by: The Media Grind
Photo by: The Media Grind
Find yourself a bottle
Credits
- Creative Direction
Adam Blake & Marke Johnson
- Art Direction
Adam Blake & Nathan Johnson
- Interior Design
Marke Johnson
- Design
Marke Johnson, Adam Blake, Kyle Huninghake
- Illustration
Zachary Johnson
- Photography
Amber Chiarelli & The Media Grind
Acknowledgments
We've been warmly welcomed into the Stranahan's family over the last seven years — perhaps the longest we've ever shepherded a single brand — and have become thankful friends with a wonderful team who make this beautiful liquid. In particular we'd like to thank Master Distiller Rob Dietrich, Peter Maca, Kristin Forsch, Keegan Gianoni, Olivia Yacoub, Elwyn Gladstone, Kensey Davis, and Dylan Beyer.