Jess Graber is the founder of Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey — Colorado’s first legal distillery since Prohibition — and a pioneer of the American single malt movement. A former volunteer firefighter and experimental distiller, Jess’ chance 1998 encounter with fellow Woody Creek resident George Stranahan sparked one of craft whiskey’s most enduring partnerships. Crafted with just four ingredients — 100 per cent malted barley, yeast, pure Rocky Mountain water, and time in the barrel — Stranahan’s has become the most-awarded and best-selling American single malt in the US. Today, the distillery continues to honor Jess’ legacy with expressions like Founder’s Release, celebrating two decades of craftsmanship.

Whiskey #1

Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey Original 

It all started right here with the very first whiskey recipe I ever made. This is American single malt in its purest form: simple, bold, and still one I reach for when I want a true taste of home. Even now, this is what I order when I sit down for a drink at my favorite bars in Woody Creek. 

Whiskey #2

Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey Blue Peak

Blue Peak is all about exploring something new — it’s layered, interesting, and a whiskey that gives you something to think about with every sip. It’s finished using a solera process, which gives it a rich, mellow profile that stands out whether you’re drinking it neat or mixing up cocktails. Personally, I take my whiskey neat, but on an island, this is the perfect bottle to have on hand no matter how you plan to enjoy it. 

Whiskey #3

Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey Founder’s Reserve 

People said we were crazy when we started making American single malt, and maybe we were — but we believed in what American whiskey could be. Founder’s Release celebrates that journey and passion that started in George Stranahan’s barn 21 years ago. It’s a robust 120-proof, and truly delicious with notes of milk chocolate, coffee cream liqueur, pecan, and nutmeg on the nose and palate, while amaretto, bubbly cream soda, and clove spice round out the finish. It’s a 12-year-old whiskey worth savoring and remembering everything it took to get here.

Whiskey #4

TINCUP

Straight Bourbon

I made TINCUP in honor of Colorado’s first whiskey drinkers and the tin cups they drank from. The tin cap that comes with every bottle would be the perfect vessel to drink from on an island (heck, I might even add a splash of coconut water to this one). It’s incredibly smooth, with aromas of vanilla cream and worn leather and notes of dried orange and rye spice. Crafted with Rocky Mountain water, it’s inspired by, and made for, the mountains — and since life’s too short to drink bad whiskey, I’d make sure to bring this along. 

Whiskey #5

TINCUP

Fourteener Bourbon

Fourteener Bourbon captures the spirit of Colorado’s highest peaks: bold, rewarding, and always worth the effort. This one’s 14 years old, smooth, rich, and crafted with pure Eldorado Spring water, which has been voted the best tasting in the world. It’s exactly the whiskey to remind me to keep climbing and appreciate where I am — and a reminder of the mountains I call home.

Luxury Item

Guitar

I’d have to bring my guitar — no question. Whiskey and music have always gone hand-in-hand for me. Playing guitar keeps me connected, inspired, and grounded. Even alone on an island, strumming a familiar song can take you right back home, sitting around a campfire with friends, raising a glass, and sharing stories. It’s about comfort, creativity, and keeping the good times alive, no matter where life takes you.