Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 10th Anniversary Blend

In contrast to my experiences with Barrell, Chattanooga has impressed me with two whiskies (Islay Finished Bourbon; Cabernet Cask), both of which were fantastic. Chattanooga whiskies aren't available in my region, so this is the third bottle my wife has purchased during trips to the South. Initially, it was the least remarkable of the three. It's amusing because when my wife was at the checkout with the Islay bottles, the clerk produced the "special items" from the back, which included this one. She sent me photos, and I selected this one, thinking an anniversary whisky would be fitting. However, the initial pour didn't seem special. It came across as astringent and sharp, but after letting it rest for about four weeks and returning to it, it's genuinely good. The result of its time in my cabinet is that the astringent edge has vanished. It has become a rich experience. The aroma strongly reminds me of Knob 12, with chocolatey, oaky, and abundant berry and cherry notes. This continues on the palate with some tobacco leaf towards the finish. It's reminiscent of the best aspects of a cask strength whisky, with very prominent and strong flavors. There's nothing diluted about this, and it has a great mouthfeel. It's still not my favorite Chattanooga I've had, remaining in third place, but it's a strong third place because this is very good stuff. I wish Chattanooga whiskies were actually distributed in my state. I'd love to try the Bottled-in-Bond expressions, and I'd especially like to get my hands on the rye. Don't worry, I'll eventually find them, but this is a distillery whose very existence I celebrate. And it's wonderful that they are reasonably priced.

Examined at the experimental distillery in downtown Chattanooga. Deeply colored with ruby tones. Many medium-speed legs. The aroma presents cherry cola, milk chocolate, baking chocolate, tobacco leaves, and a faint scent of church pews. It is soft, sweet, and woody. This is a truly substantial Tennessee whiskey with added complexity. It's quite remarkable, the best of high malt whiskies and bourbon combined.

A rich nose with notes of caramel and unsweetened cocoa. An unexpected palate featuring a hint of smoke, oak tannins, and succulent fruits. Connected to a tour of their experimental facility in downtown Chattanooga, this bottle carries a strong sense of nostalgia (the most potent form of bias).

Aroma of caramel, chocolate, leather, cherry cola, roasted corn, vanilla, charred wood, and grape jelly. The palate is sweet and warm, with notes of cherry cola, leather, cinnamon, caramel, candy corn, and oak.

Palate: cherry cola, grape skins, caramel, subtle smoke. Seriously, this is a superb blend. All the Chattanooga whiskeys are fantastic.

This is delightful, with hints of cherry, wood, and cola.