Chattanooga Whiskey is ushering in the fall season with the release of their highly anticipated Bottled in Bond Fall 2020 Vintage. As part of their critically acclaimed Bottled in Bond series, this release marks the eighth installment and brings a new seasonal blend to whiskey enthusiasts. Crafted to celebrate the flavors of fall and winter, the Fall 2020 Vintage was distilled and barreled during the latter half of 2020, between July and December.
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The Bottled in Bond Series and the Fall 2020 Vintage
Chattanooga Whiskey's Bottled in Bond series is known for its dedication to quality and consistency. Each vintage in this series adheres to strict Bottled in Bond regulations, ensuring that the whiskey is produced in a single distillation season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). The Fall 2020 Vintage continues this tradition while incorporating a unique combination of mash bills to enhance the seasonal flavors.
What sets the Fall 2020 Vintage apart from previous releases is the introduction of a new mash bill into the series: SB101. This five-grain mash bill, originally created at Chattanooga Whiskey's Experimental Distillery, quickly became a standout after its initial release in 2020. The success of SB101 led to its rapid scaling at the Riverfront Distillery, where it now plays a crucial role in the Fall 2020 blend.
A Closer Look at SB101 and the Mash Bill Blend
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The SB101 mash bill is named after the 101st barrel filled at Chattanooga's Experimental Distillery, reflecting its experimental roots. It features two varieties of drum-roasted caramel malted barley, which lend the whiskey its distinctive chocolate and toffee notes. This mash bill, combined with two others—SB055 and B005—creates a harmonious blend designed to amplify the rich, roasted flavors typically associated with cooler weather.
The final mash bill breakdown for the Fall 2020 Vintage is as follows:
- 40% SB055
- 40% B005
- 20% SB101
This combination of roasted bourbon mash bills enhances the chocolate malt and toffee flavors, making it an ideal choice for those chilly autumn and winter nights.
Tasting Notes and Characteristics
The Fall 2020 Vintage delivers a full-bodied and approachable flavor profile, designed to evoke the comforting tastes of fall and winter. Tasting notes include:
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie: A familiar, warm sweetness that brings comfort and nostalgia.
- Root Beer: A slightly spiced note that adds depth and complexity.
- Chocolate Malt: Rich and indulgent, providing a smooth mouthfeel.
- Pecan Pie: Nutty sweetness that ties the flavors together.
- Sweet Hay: A subtle earthy undertone that balances the sweetness.
The whiskey is aged in toasted and charred oak barrels, with a standard size of 53 gallons, allowing for a maturation period of over four years. The seven-day fermentation process ensures that the flavors develop fully, while the non-chill filtration process preserves the whiskey’s natural mouthfeel and depth.
The Distillation Process
The Fall 2020 Vintage is the product of a collaborative effort from Chattanooga Whiskey’s distilling team. Every six months, the team evaluates which mash bills and recipes to focus on, sometimes scaling up a promising experimental recipe from the smaller Experimental Distillery to the larger Riverfront Distillery. This seasonal approach allows Chattanooga Whiskey to craft blends that are perfectly suited to the time of year, with the Fall 2020 release being no exception.
Grant McCracken, the founding distiller, expressed the significance of SB101 in this blend, noting how it complements the other mash bills and adds layers of caramel richness. The distillation process is broken down into four batches, each consisting of 10-12 barrels, creating a limited release that whiskey lovers won’t want to miss.
Availability and Pricing
The Fall 2020 Vintage will be available for purchase starting October 10, 2024, at Chattanooga Whiskey’s Experimental Distillery. It will also be available in select states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Additionally, a limited number of bottles will be sold online through Seelbachs.com, offering nationwide shipping to select states.
Priced at $52.99 for a 750ml bottle, the Fall 2020 Vintage offers an affordable opportunity to experience a high-quality Bottled in Bond whiskey that encapsulates the essence of fall.
Why Chattanooga Whiskey Stands Out
Chattanooga Whiskey has become a well-respected name in the craft whiskey scene, largely due to their innovative approach to bourbon-making. By experimenting with unique mash bills and crafting whiskey tailored to the seasons, they’ve created a line of products that feel both timely and timeless. The Fall 2020 Vintage is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries while honoring traditional whiskey-making methods.
The Bottled in Bond series, in particular, has garnered praise for its consistency and quality, with each release offering something new while maintaining the core principles of the series. Whether it’s the wheated bourbon from previous releases or the roasted mash bills featured in the Fall 2020 Vintage, Chattanooga Whiskey’s ability to create something fresh and exciting with each new release is what keeps whiskey enthusiasts coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns cooler, Chattanooga Whiskey’s Bottled in Bond Fall 2020 Vintage is the perfect companion to cozy up with. Its rich, roasted flavors of chocolate, toffee, and oatmeal raisin cookie are a warm embrace in a glass, making it a standout release in the Bottled in Bond series.
With limited quantities available, whiskey lovers would do well to grab a bottle while they can. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a warming cocktail, the Fall 2020 Vintage promises to be a delightful addition to any whiskey collection.
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.