Why people are camping out in sub-zero temperatures for a bottle of whisky

“It’s one of those things where it’s once in a lifetime”

Inside Stranahan's Denver distillery

Every December, hundreds of whisky fans queue through the night to get their hands on a bottle of Stranahan’s whiskey.

The patient booze enthusiasts line-up outside the Denver distillery in freezing cold temperatures, some even since 6pm the night before, but why?

The brainchild of master distiller Rob Dietrich – also known as Whiskey Rob – Stranahan’s Snowflake is released just once a year and, if you want to get your hands on a bottle, you must pick it up in-person.

Born from a desire to experiment with different styles of barrel aging, Dietrich matures the brand’s original whisky in a unique variety of barrels for an impressive two years.

This means that no two Snowflake releases are ever the same, making them a truly one-of-a-kind tipple.

“I always try to out Snowflake Snowflake every year,” Dietrich told Munchies.

Stranahan's Snowflake whiskey is released just once a year

“That’s what we do as Americans—we break traditions and make traditions.”

Dubbed as Stranafans, the dedicated whiskey fanatics are in for a long wait, and with temperatures known to reach a chilly minus 9, they always come prepared.

“Whiskey. It’s a sweater for your insides, right? We brought a propane heater and two tanks of propane,” says Eric Spery.

“We got a tent and sleeping bags—and we have lots of whiskey.”

Fellow Stranafan, Jacob Krouse adds, “It’s one of those things where it’s once in a lifetime. This batch is one of a kind.”

Because of its rarity, Snowflake is limited to just two bottles per person, costing $100 each.

“We’re very much about the Colorado community,” Dietrich says.

This year, 1,400 bottles of the latest expression, Crestone Peak, are available but once they’re sold, they’re sold.