No products in the cart.
Return To ShopWhiskey, Wood, and Water: The Stranahan’s Whiskey Barrel Fly Rod Collaboration
At PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods, we’ve always believed fly‑fishing combines tradition, craftsmanship, and connection to nature. So when Wally—a longtime representative of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey—approached us at the 2024 Denver Fly Fishing Show, we knew something special was about to happen.
“Do you think you could make a custom landing net from a Stranahan’s whiskey‑barrel stave?” he asked.
Let’s just say it didn’t take PJ long to say yes.
The Birth of a Colorado Collaboration
What began as a simple question quickly grew into one of our most exciting projects. At PJ’s, we specialize in handcrafted bamboo fly rods built to last generations. But the opportunity to incorporate staves from Stranahan’s award‑winning whiskey barrels opened up a whole new frontier of craftsmanship.
The result? A limited‑edition collection of rods and landing nets, built with authentic Stranahan’s whiskey barrel components. These aren’t just fishing tools—they’re heirloom‑quality works of art.
Where Whiskey Meets the Water
Each fly rod in this collection starts with our hand‑split, flame‑tempered bamboo blanks—optimized for strength, flex, and feel. But what sets these apart is the whiskey‑aged oak:
We repurpose charred oak staves from used Stranahan’s barrels to craft one‑of‑a‑kind grips and reel seats.
The scent—warm, smoky, subtly sweet—fills the shop as these components are sanded and polished.
The oak’s wood grain carries a story: years of whiskey aging, fire, and craft.
The landing nets follow the same ethos. Each net features a frame shaped from whiskey‑barrel wood, curved and laminated for both beauty and balance. It’s a net you’ll be proud to display—and even prouder to deploy across Colorado’s rivers and streams.
Where to Find These Collectibles
Because each rod and net is individually handcrafted and whiskey‑barrel wood is limited, the collection is exclusive. We’ve partnered with Stranahan’s to offer these sets only at:
Stranahan’s Aspen Lodge
Annually at the Denver Fly Fishing Show
If you’re considering one, arrive early—we sold out last year by the end of day one! That rush isn’t just about fishing gear. It’s about the passion fly anglers and whiskey lovers share for Colorado‑made craftsmanship.
Featured in Fly Fishing Media
The buzz around this collaboration has already turned heads. Our rods and nets were featured in Fly Lords Magazine and showcased in Ross Reels’ national campaign for their limited‑edition Stranahan’s reel. Together, our bamboo rod, the Stranahan’s reel and whiskey‑stave net form a collector‑grade set that blends beauty, function and story.
A Shared Passion for Craft and Culture
Stranahan’s and PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods share more than a home state—they share a way of working. Whether it’s aging whiskey in small batches or hand‑planing a bamboo blank, process matters. We both believe the final product is only as good as the heart behind it.
When you cast one of our whiskey‑barrel bamboo rods, you’re not just fishing—you’re connecting with a story that began high in Colorado’s mountains and aged to perfection.
Smells Like Whiskey, Casts Like a Dream
One of our favorite parts of this project? The smell.
There’s nothing quite like the scent of charred whiskey oak drifting through the workshop as we sand, shape and polish each stave. It lingers in the air and reminds us that fly‑fishing isn’t just sport—it’s a full sensory experience. The feel of the rod in hand. The scent of the wood. The sound of a trout breaking the surface. It all connects.
Ready to Cast Something Legendary?
At PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods, fly‑fishing is as much about craft and tradition as it is about catching trout. So when Wally from Stranahan’s approached us… well, you know the rest.
If you’re ready to join the legacy—call us, visit us, or stop by at the Denver Fly Fishing Show. Because this isn’t just gear—it’s a slice of Colorado heritage you can cast off the bank.
