Chattanooga Whiskey has just launched the latest addition to its Barrel Finishing Series: the Russian River Pinot Cask Finished Bourbon. This marks the fifth release in their popular series, which focuses on blending Tennessee High Malt bourbon with carefully selected finishing casks to create unique flavor profiles.
Image credit: Chattanooga Whiskey
For this release, Chattanooga Whiskey chose to use Pinot Noir casks from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. This region is famous for its foggy, coastal climate, which produces wines with vibrant fruit notes and a touch of spice, including flavors like cherry, berry, and kola nut. The distillers believed these characteristics would complement their bourbon, so they created a blend of five different mash bills specifically designed to enhance the flavors from the wine casks.
The blend includes their signature wheated and roasted malt mash bills, as well as a special version of their Barrel 91 recipe, which was distilled at higher proofs to bring out more delicate fruit notes. The bourbon was aged for over four years, including six months in the Pinot Noir casks, resulting in a complex whiskey that balances roasted malt flavors with bright fruit notes.
Chief Product Officer Grant McCracken highlighted the careful attention to detail that went into this release, saying that "focus" was key. The team put great emphasis on selecting the right barrels and blending the mash bills to create a whiskey that reflects the unique qualities of the Russian River Valley.
Head Distiller Tiana Saul described the final product as having a nose of fresh blackberries and cherry pie, followed by flavors of dark chocolate icing and brown sugar. The whiskey has a robust mouthfeel with a punchy palate and finishes with light tannins. Adding a few drops of water can bring out even more layers of flavor.
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Russian River Pinot Cask Finished Bourbon is available at their Experimental Distillery and select retailers in several states, priced at $59.99 for a 750ml bottle. Limited quantities can also be purchased online through Seelbachs.com.
Full Specs
- Mash Bills: SB091, R20057, R20084, SB055, B005
- Finishing Cooperage: Russian River Pinot Noir Barrels
- Age: Greater Than 4 Years
- Proof: 95 (47.5% Alc/Vol)
- Cooperage: 53 gal, Toasted and Charred Oak Barrels
- Finishing Time: 6 Months
- Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Pinot Noir Casks
- Batch Size: 8-10 Barrels
- Tasting Notes: Fresh picked blackberries, cherry pie, dark chocolate icing, and brown sugar. Robust mouthfeel, a punchy palate, and a lightly tannic finish.
This release also coincides with an open house event at the Experimental Distillery on August 16, where attendees can enjoy tastings, tours, and cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the company’s founders and learn more about the distilling process.
Chattanooga Whiskey has gained recognition for its innovative approach to craft whiskey, pushing boundaries with its experimental distillery and unique blends. The company’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned it accolades, including being named the Craft Producer of the Year at Whisky Magazine's 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
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About Chattanooga
Chattanooga Whiskey is a relatively new player in the American whiskey scene but has quickly gained attention for its dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Founded in 2011 by a group of friends with a passion for whiskey and a desire to revive the distilling tradition in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the distillery has since become a prominent name in the industry.
Chattanooga Whiskey is committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted whiskies that reflect the rich history and heritage of Tennessee whiskey-making. The distillery's flagship expression, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, is a straight bourbon whiskey crafted with a mash bill of yellow corn, malted rye, and caramel malted barley. This bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and flavorful whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
In addition to its core range of whiskies, Chattanooga Whiskey offers a variety of limited-edition releases and experimental batches, showcasing the distillery's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making. These expressions often feature unique cask finishes, innovative aging techniques, or collaborations with other producers, providing whiskey enthusiasts with new and exciting flavors to explore.
Chattanooga Whiskey is also known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The distillery sources local ingredients whenever possible and implements environmentally friendly practices in its production process. Additionally, Chattanooga Whiskey is actively involved in supporting local charities and initiatives, giving back to the community that has embraced and supported its growth.
With its dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement, Chattanooga Whiskey has earned a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Chattanooga Whiskey offers a taste of Tennessee's rich whiskey heritage and a memorable drinking experience for whiskey lovers everywhere.
