Military Bourbon Review: Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength

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History – Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength. The Chattanooga Whiskey Distilling Company is a renowned whiskey distillery located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was established in 2011 with the goal of resurrecting the rich whiskey-making tradition of the region, which had been dormant for nearly a century due to Prohibition and other factors. One of their notable products is the Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength.

The Chattanooga Whiskey Distilling Company initially faced legal hurdles and had to fight for the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga. After a successful grassroots campaign and a change in state law, the company became the first legal distillery in Chattanooga in over a century.

In 2012, the distillery released its first product, Chattanooga Whiskey 1816 Reserve, a Tennessee high malt whiskey. This initial release gained recognition and appreciation among whiskey enthusiasts, setting the stage for the distillery’s future success.

As the distillery grew, they expanded their product line to include various expressions of their Tennessee whiskey. One of their notable releases is the Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength. Cask strength whiskies are bottled at their original barrel strength, without dilution or significant filtering, offering an intense and robust flavor profile.

The Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength is crafted using a unique blend of malted grains, including malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley. These grains are mashed, fermented, and distilled on-site at the distillery, ensuring a hands-on approach to whiskey production.

After distillation, the whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop its distinct flavors and characteristics over time. The Cask Strength expression is bottled directly from these barrels, without any dilution, resulting in a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to their other offerings.

The exact ABV of the Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength may vary between different batches, as it is dependent on the specific barrels and aging conditions. However, cask strength whiskies generally have ABVs ranging from 50% to 65% or higher, giving them a potent and full-bodied character.

The Chattanooga Whiskey Cask Strength has gained a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its rich flavors, complexity, and the unique experience it offers. It is often praised for its bold and robust taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak.

The Chattanooga Whiskey Distilling Company continues to innovate and refine its whiskey-making techniques, striving to uphold the traditions of Tennessee whiskey while introducing new expressions to satisfy the evolving tastes of whiskey lovers. The Cask Strength offering stands as a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship and the revival of Chattanooga’s whiskey heritage. Let’s dig in!

Value – An amazing value for a cask strength bourbon at the $40 price point.

Appearance – Copper. The bottle is really unique looking with some really bold statements on the bottle making sure that the consumer knows it’s from Chattanooga Tennessee. I like the wine corked top which really makes it stand out.

Nose – Heavy Smoke / Cherry / Cinnamon / Pungent and Full

Palate – Creme Brulee / Maple Syrup / Medium Oak / Medium Body

Finish –  Sharp / Low heat for the proof / Excellent length of burn / Fudge

Summary – I have to say that the bourbon is quite a surprise being at the age that it is. It pushes forward its body and depth like it’s been in the barrel for more than 10 years. The heat is perfect for the 111 and it is full of robust flavors.

“Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery does not disappoint with their cask strength ongoing release and makes sure that you leave with a lasting impression!“

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 5

Nose- 1-20 – 15

Palate- 1-20 – 17

Finish- 1-20 – 17

Value- 1-20 – 20