In the heart of Tennessee, where old traditions meet modern craft, Chattanooga Whiskey is stirring up something special with their latest creation. Batch 045: Experimental Kola Infused Whiskey draws straight from the city's storied past in cola production, blending history with a kick of innovation that's perfect for those who appreciate a drink with a tale behind it.
Chattanooga has long been a hub for American ingenuity, especially when it comes to beverages. Back in the day, before cola conquered the world, it bubbled up in local drugstores and fountains throughout the South. But it was right here in Chattanooga that folks figured out how to bottle it, making it easy to grab and go, turning a simple sip into an everyday staple. This new whiskey pays homage to that era, when natural ingredients ruled and real infusions were the standard.
What sets this apart starts with understanding the basics: cola isn't just a drink—it's a mix of timeless tastes like vanilla, cinnamon, citrus, and that key player, the kola nut. Kola itself comes from the seeds of a tree that grows in Africa's tropical forests, packed with caffeine and used to flavor all sorts of sodas. Chattanooga Whiskey takes this foundation and fuses it with their high-malt bourbon, creating a liqueur that echoes the authentic colas of the 1800s and 1900s.
The process behind Batch 045 is hands-on and thoughtful. The team at Chattanooga Whiskey begins with a custom blend of four different bourbon mash bills, incorporating eight varieties of malted grains: yellow corn, pale malted rye, floor malted barley, pale malted wheat, honey malted barley, caramel malted barley, Munich malted rye, and caramel malted wheat. This base gives the whiskey a rich, layered foundation that's all about depth and character.
Then comes the infusion magic. For more than seven days, they steep the bourbon with close to 200 pounds of carefully chosen botanicals. The lineup includes real kola nut for that authentic bite, along with citrus peel for a zesty edge, dried cherries adding a touch of tart sweetness, sarsaparilla for its earthy root beer vibe, vanilla to smooth things out, cinnamon for warmth, marshmallow root lending a subtle creaminess, ginger for a spicy kick, mace bringing nutmeg-like notes, and cardamom for an exotic hint. It's a symphony of flavors, each one selected to complement the bourbon without overpowering it.
Once infused, they stir in genuine cane sugar to balance the profile, then give it a light filter to keep the bold essence intact. Bottled at a sturdy 90 proof— that's 45% alcohol by volume— this liqueur holds onto the intense tastes from both the whiskey and the botanicals, especially that unique, can't-be-faked quality of the kola nut.
Diving into the details, this batch comes from toasted and charred oak barrels, which impart those classic woody undertones. The distillation combines double pot still for purity and continuous column for efficiency, resulting in a smooth yet robust spirit. With only seven barrels produced, it's a small-batch gem classified as a bourbon liqueur, meaning it's got that whiskey backbone with added flair.
When it comes to tasting, Batch 045 delivers notes that transport you back to simpler times with a twist. Imagine the smoky sweetness of flamed orange, the creamy nostalgia of a root beer float, the bright tang of lime meringue, or the fizzy fun of cherry cola—all wrapped in one glass. It's versatile enough to sip neat over ice on a quiet evening, mix into a highball for a refreshing take on classic cocktails, or even pair with a hearty barbecue to cut through rich flavors. For guys who enjoy unwinding with a drink that tells a story, this one hits the spot, evoking memories of corner stores and summer afternoons while offering something fresh and exciting.
Availability is limited, kicking off exclusively at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery starting Thursday, September 18th. If you're not in the area, keep an eye out—small quantities will pop up on Seelbachs.com in the weeks ahead. For more details, drop a line to support@seelbachs.com. This isn't just another bottle; it's a piece of Chattanooga's heritage reborn, ready to become part of your own traditions.
Whether you're a longtime whiskey enthusiast or just looking to try something with real roots, Batch 045 stands out in a crowded market. It's a reminder of how far we've come from those early soda fountain days, yet how close we can get to recapturing that original spark. Grab it while you can—batches like this don't stick around long.
