Chattanooga Whiskey Co. 1816 Cask

Nose - (without water) Smoky, sweet BBQ notes? Paprika, hickory, salt, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice. (with water) More balanced, some sweet-savory funk but less BBQ, more cloves and allspice. Taste - (without water) Very drying, a bit hot, with cinnamon red hots, light salt, pie crust, light graham cracker, dark caramel, and a hint of black tea. (with water) Less drying, with cherry cinnamon red hots, light salt, dark caramel, and a hint of chocolate. Finish - (without water) Lingering cinnamon spice/tingle, sweet pie spices, sweet paprika, vanilla caramel. (with water) Less tingle, more black tea bitterness, vanilla, and caramel. Score - 89/100 Final Thoughts - This was quite interesting and not at all what I anticipated. The nose was unusual but didn't fully translate to the palate. It had a funky quality, but in a good, intriguing way. The flavors weren't typical for a standard bourbon, yet they still hinted at its bourbon identity. It's a unique spirit that I think would pair well with savory dishes or pecan pie, but might be a bit out of place as an everyday sipper. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Probably not?

First, a sharp alcohol burn on the nose, then sweet florals, honey, and rye spice. It has substantial body and the full character of a barrel-proof offering, which is promising. Hot spices, toast, and barrel essence ride the spicy warmth and mellow sugars, appearing before the darker sugar complexity hinted at by the rich nose. The finish is drier, with traces of cask mustiness and hints of acrid citrus. For an MGP product, this is quite a distinct and unusual spirit with some very intriguing qualities. Adding a couple of small amounts of water and letting it rest for a while – not much changes at the top, still a good deal of tangy richness. Little change as the harshness remains with mild sweetness and spice and a somewhat smoother finish. The buzz about this from whiskey reviews is somewhat justified, but only to a degree. With the abundance of barrel-proof and cask-strength options available today, the 1816 Cask might not be the standout it could have been a decade ago. However, it appeals to dedicated bourbon enthusiasts and easily surpasses the Chattanooga label among recent releases.

I had heard positive things about this and finally decided to sample it. I'm uncertain how easily I'll be able to find this particular version (their sourced MGP barrels) now that they are producing their own spirit. The aroma initially had some heat, but after a few minutes in the glass, the vapors calm down, revealing brown sugar, some oak, and baking spices. After the first taste, I detect some apricot. The palate is wonderfully oaky. It bears a resemblance to a certain other product, just not nearly as intense. You also get notes of sweet cola and leather, with a hint of fruit at the very end. It does leave your tongue feeling dry. The finish has a pleasant initial warmth and then continues nicely for a long duration. I also tried it with a few drops of water. It softens the spirit but didn't reveal any additional flavors. This is truly excellent. Now I understand why the store employee suggested I might not want to try it, as it's their older product that they no longer make. I suppose I need to acquire more of it.

This is the inaugural premium bourbon I have experienced. Visited the new distillery while on holiday and purchased a bottle. I am impressed by the barrel richness and taste. Even with the high proof, it's a pleasant, smooth spirit. I make sure to always have a bottle of the cask and reserve available. If you find yourself in Chattanooga, stop by for a sample; you'll be pleased. From Chattanooga, TN, for $43. Bought via mail order for $48.

Nose-Very little astringency for the high proof. Tastes like sweet tea with lemon. Body- A bit of lemon tartness comes first, then the tannins and brown sugar of sweet tea. Lots of pepper and backing spices. Finish- Sweetness fades into tartness and maybe a hint of brine. Could this be a high rye? A good, accessible cask strength.

Served over an ice ball. The nose is spicy with just a touch of brown sugar. The taste is initially alcoholic but quickly softens, allowing notes of caramel, toffee, and leather to come through, along with some baking spice. The finish begins with a mild burn of cinnamon and oak that is decent, though I wish it lasted a bit longer.