Chattanooga Whiskey, a trailblazer in the whiskey world, has unveiled its latest addition to an already impressive lineup: the Rye Single Barrel Series. This new release takes an uncut, unfiltered approach to whiskey, showcasing the company’s unique malt-forward philosophy. The Rye Single Barrel Series pays homage to the distillery's early experimental efforts and builds upon the success of their acclaimed 99 Rye expression.
A Nod to Tradition with a Bold Twist
The Rye Single Barrel Series features the same four-grain, three-malt mash bill that powers Chattanooga Whiskey’s award-winning 99 Rye. What sets this series apart is its innovative use of specialty malts, including pale malted rye, caramel malted rye, and chocolate malted rye. These slow-toasted and drum-roasted malts make up more than 60% of the mash bill, lending a rich complexity to the whiskey.
Inspired by the company’s Experimental Batch 007: Tennessee Rye Malt, first developed in 2015, the recipe was refined and scaled at the Riverfront Distillery in 2017. This resulted in the release of 99 Rye, which garnered a spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 list in 2020. The new Rye Single Barrel Series now offers whiskey enthusiasts an even deeper exploration of this beloved expression, allowing for a more detailed experience of its distinct flavors.
Highlighting Barrel Innovation
Barrels play a crucial role in shaping the Rye Single Barrel Series' flavor profile. Like Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature "Barrel 91" expression, the new series relies on two types of barrels during aging. Chief Product Officer Grant McCracken elaborated on the dual-barrel aging process:
“Since our 99 Rye is a blend of two barrel types, the goal of this series is to peel them apart and highlight their dramatically different flavor and aroma qualities. While our classic #4 char barrel emphasizes the spicy-sweet character of the spirit, our custom toasted and charred barrels deliver a one-of-a-kind, toasty-rich character.”
This thoughtful combination of barrel aging techniques was carefully designed to complement the unique mash bill, showcasing the range of flavors and aromas that can emerge from different wood treatments.
Expanding the Single Barrel Collections
The Rye Single Barrel Series joins Chattanooga Whiskey’s well-regarded Experimental Single Barrel and Bourbon Single Barrel Series. Each series explores distinct aspects of whiskey-making, from mash bills and barrel types to nuanced aging techniques.
McCracken described the philosophy behind these collections:
“Each one of our Single Barrel Series is meant to explore a different side of the craft. The Experimental Single Barrel Series dives into new whiskey types, the Bourbon Single Barrel Series focuses on mash bills and barrels, and now the Rye Single Barrel Series shines a spotlight on our Tennessee Rye Malt mash bill.”
This innovative spirit has cemented Chattanooga Whiskey’s reputation as a leader in the craft whiskey movement.
Availability and Pricing
The Rye Single Barrel Series will be available in select states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Enthusiasts can also find limited quantities online at Seelbachs.com. The suggested retail price is $64.99 for a 750ml bottle, making it an accessible luxury for whiskey aficionados.
A Legacy of Innovation
Since its founding in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey has been at the forefront of redefining craft whiskey. The company’s push to change Prohibition-era laws paved the way for whiskey production in Chattanooga after a century-long hiatus. With the establishment of their Experimental Distillery and the larger Riverfront Distillery, Chattanooga Whiskey has embraced a culture of creativity and innovation.
Their Tennessee High Malt style emphasizes high-quality malted grains and meticulous attention to detail throughout the production process. This commitment to excellence has earned the company numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of Icons of Whisky - Craft Producer of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
An Uncut and Unfiltered Expression
The Rye Single Barrel Series offers whiskey lovers a rare, unfiltered look into Chattanooga Whiskey’s creative process. By isolating and celebrating the unique qualities of their custom barrels and malt-forward mash bill, this series solidifies the distillery’s reputation for crafting whiskeys that are as bold as they are complex.
As Chattanooga Whiskey continues to innovate, the Rye Single Barrel Series stands as a testament to their dedication to quality, authenticity, and pushing the boundaries of what whiskey can be.
