For whiskey lovers looking to add something truly special to their collection this holiday season, Chattanooga Whiskey has just pulled back the curtain on three exciting new bottles from their vault. These aren't your everyday pours—they're rare experiments that push the boundaries of flavor, drawing from years of careful crafting in the heart of Tennessee.
The folks at Chattanooga Whiskey have built a reputation for innovation, and their Vault Series is where that spirit shines brightest. Each year, the distilling team digs into their barrelhouse to select standout experiments, forgotten concepts, and unique single barrels that tell the story of the distillery's journey. These whiskeys come in small 375mL bottles, making them perfect for savoring or gifting without committing to a full-size commitment. They're ultra-limited, so once they're gone, that's it—no second chances to grab a piece of this history.
This year's 2025 Vault Series drops on December 11 at the Experimental Distillery on Market Street in Chattanooga. Priced at $46.99 each, these bottles are exclusive to that spot, giving locals and visitors a reason to plan a trip. What sets this release apart is the focus on "long-finish" single barrels, revisiting some fan-favorite finished bourbons from the past: Apricot Brandy, XA Tequila, and Sauternes. Back in the day, those original batches spent anywhere from three to 19 months in finishing barrels, creating subtle twists on the base whiskey. But for these vault editions, the team went all in, letting them mature for four to five years. The result? Bolder, more intense flavors that transform familiar profiles into something deeper and more complex.
Instead of mixing up different mash bills to match each finish—like they usually do—the distillers stuck with their reliable Barrel 91 mash bill as the starting point. It's a sturdy base that lets the finishing barrels do the heavy lifting over time, leading to whiskeys that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Think of it as giving the spirits room to evolve naturally, without forcing the issue.
Let's break down each one, starting with the Single Barrel Apricot Brandy Barrel Finished. This one's rooted in Batch 017, clocking in at seven years old with a full five-year finish in apricot brandy barrels sourced from The Republic of Türkiye. The outcome is a rich, chewy experience that hits you with notes of apricot tarte tatin, orange marmalade, and jasmine right up front. As you sip, it opens up to a stewed fruit palate, wrapping up with a lingering maraschino finish. It's the kind of whiskey that pairs perfectly with a quiet evening by the fire, maybe after a long day on the job or tinkering in the garage—smooth enough to enjoy straight, but intriguing enough to keep you coming back for another taste.
Next up is the Single Barrel Tequila Barrel Finished, drawing from Batch 018. Also seven years old with a five-year finish, this uses extra añejo Tequila barrels from Mexico. The magic happens in the blend of earthy agave spice and the sweet, candy-like qualities of the Barrel 91 mash. You'll get initial hits of banana bread, crème brûlée, and fresh-cut grass, which then shift into dried mango and milk chocolate. It all ends on a dry, herbal note that leaves a clean, satisfying close. Imagine cracking this open during a backyard barbecue or while watching the game—it's got that versatile kick that bridges sweet and savory, making it a solid choice for guys who appreciate a whiskey with some personality.
Rounding out the trio is the Single Barrel Sauternes Barrel Finished, based on Batch 027. This seven-year-old beauty spent over four years in Sauternes barrels from France. Sauternes is that sweet dessert wine made from grapes affected by "noble rot," a fungus that concentrates the sugars and amps up the intensity. The nose draws you in with white peach and wildflower honey, but don't let that fool you—the palate delivers robust dried fruit, dark tannins, and lemon cake flavors that pack a punch. It's elegant yet bold, ideal for those moments when you want to unwind with something refined after a round of golf or a fishing trip.
These releases aren't just about the liquid in the bottle; they're a window into Chattanooga Whiskey's ongoing quest to redefine Tennessee bourbon. By extending those finishing times, the distillers have created whiskeys that stand out in a crowded market, offering layers of depth that reward patient sipping. For anyone who's followed the distillery's evolution, it's like reuniting with old friends who've grown wiser with age.
If you're tempted to sample them all, head to the Experimental Distillery's tasting room for Vault Flights while they last. It's a smart way to try before you buy, especially since these are small-batch runs that won't stick around long. Whether you're building your home bar or hunting for a unique holiday gift, these vault whiskeys deliver the kind of quality and story that make every pour memorable. Chattanooga Whiskey continues to prove why they're a force in the American spirits scene, blending tradition with bold experimentation in ways that keep enthusiasts coming back for more.
