Chattanooga Whiskey, a trailblazer in reviving distilling in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has unveiled its latest creation: Experimental Batch 043: Pre-Prohibition Style. This commemorative bourbon not only marks a decade of innovation but also serves as a time capsule, recreating the flavors and techniques of whiskey-making from the early 20th century.
A Homage to a Bygone Era
Founded as Chattanooga’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, Chattanooga Whiskey has always embraced creativity and craftsmanship. Batch 043 exemplifies this ethos, aiming to capture the essence of pre-1920s whiskey. Every element of its production was carefully crafted to mimic historical techniques, from the grain selection to the unique fermentation and aging processes.
According to Grant McCracken, Chattanooga Whiskey’s Founding Distiller, the team sought to produce a high malt bourbon that could transport whiskey enthusiasts back to a time when distilling was an artisanal craft. “Although a lot has changed in farming, malting, and coopering over the last century, our team relished the challenge of recreating the flavors of bourbon from that era,” McCracken shared.
The Ingredients: A Step Back in Time
The recipe for Batch 043 begins with a harder variety of yellow corn, akin to those grown in the early 1900s. This base is complemented by a blend of malts designed to showcase heritage techniques, including slow-toasted barleys, spelt, and rye malts. Notably, the recipe includes a heritage-style toasted barley malt and an acidulated rye malt, both of which add layers of flavor rarely seen in modern whiskey-making.
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the fermentation process. A portion of the mash undergoes a two-part sour mash and fermentation method. This approach, which includes an overnight sour mash and a multi-strain yeast blend, replicates the less controlled yeast cultures of pre-Prohibition distilleries, resulting in a pronounced fruitiness characteristic of that era.
Traditional Distillation and Custom Barrels
After fermentation, Batch 043 is distilled using the traditional double pot method, an approach that enhances its depth and complexity. The spirit is then aged for over four years in custom-toasted and charred oak barrels. These barrels were designed to emulate the coopering techniques of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when fire-driven stave bending and varied charring created unique flavor profiles.
The whiskey entered the barrels at an average proof of 111 and was bottled unfiltered at an assertive 110 proof. This higher proof level, common in pre-1935 whiskeys, ensures that the final product remains true to its historical inspiration.
Tasting Notes and Availability
Batch 043 offers a complex flavor profile with notes of toasted raisin bread, chocolate chip cookie dough, caramel corn, dark honey, and fresh plum. It embodies the richness and diversity of flavors that were hallmarks of pre-Prohibition whiskey.
This limited-edition release is available exclusively at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery for $69.99 per 750ml bottle. Whiskey enthusiasts in select states can also purchase it online through Seelbachs.com.
The Legacy of Chattanooga Whiskey
Since its founding in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey has been on a mission to redefine the craft whiskey landscape. By challenging outdated laws, the company brought legal distilling back to Chattanooga after a 100-year hiatus. Their Experimental Distillery, the only standalone experimental distillery in the United States, has since become a hub for innovation and creativity, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually.
In addition to their experimental releases, Chattanooga Whiskey produces a range of signature expressions, including Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye. These offerings highlight the brand’s commitment to quality, complexity, and authenticity, earning it recognition as the 2023 Icons of Whisky Craft Producer of the Year.
Conclusion
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Experimental Batch 043: Pre-Prohibition Style is more than just a bottle of bourbon—it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the pioneering spirit that defines the brand. By meticulously recreating the flavors and techniques of a bygone era, Chattanooga Whiskey has created a unique offering that appeals to both whiskey enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This release stands as a testament to the artistry and passion that continues to drive Chattanooga Whiskey forward, even as it looks back to its roots.
