Chattanooga Whiskey has officially announced the release of their latest Bottled in Bond Vintage Series: the Spring 2020 Vintage. This much-anticipated seventh blend since the series began in 2021 promises to encapsulate the light, refreshing flavors associated with spring and summer. Distilled and barreled between January and June 2020 at Chattanooga Whiskey’s Riverfront Distillery, this blend is the result of a meticulous, collaborative effort by the entire distilling team.
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The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was a groundbreaking piece of legislation that set strict standards for whiskey production, ensuring authenticity and integrity in aged spirits. Chattanooga Whiskey pays homage to this historic act with their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, releasing single-season, vintage-dated expressions of their distinctive Tennessee High Malt style. Each vintage represents a unique blend crafted to reflect the character of the time it was distilled.
Grant McCracken, Chattanooga Whiskey’s Founding Distiller, shared insights into the process behind these vintages. “Each distilling season, our entire grain-to-glass production team comes together to develop our newest Bottled in Bond vintage,” he explained. Rather than adhering strictly to their signature “Barrel 91” recipe, the team experiments with various mash bills distilled during the six-month period, creating a blend that truly captures the essence of that specific season.
The Spring 2020 Vintage is particularly special, featuring three different versions of their acclaimed wheated recipe (B005, B005v2, B005v3). These versions incorporate a range of malted wheat and malted barley varieties that have never been used in this mash bill before. Among these are Tennessee-grown malted wheat, honey malted barley, and a small amount of cherrywood smoked malted barley. This innovative combination adds layers of flavor and complexity, making the Spring 2020 Vintage a standout in the series.
McCracken noted that while most experimentation occurs at their Experimental Distillery, they aren’t hesitant to implement new ideas at the larger Riverfront Distillery. This approach allows the team to gain a deeper understanding of how their classic recipes perform on a larger scale, resulting in finished products that serve as time capsules of their creative process from over four years ago.
Crafted in four batches of 10 barrels each, the Spring 2020 Vintage offers a delightful tasting experience. It features notes of candied ginger, vanilla custard, orange blossom honey, and muddled mint, all culminating in a fresh oak finish. This limited release is available starting July 3, 2024, at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery. It will also be distributed to select states including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Priced at $52.99 for a 750ml bottle, a limited number of bottles will also be available for online purchase at Seelbachs.com, with shipping to select states.
For those who enjoy the technical details, the Spring 2020 Vintage mash bill is composed of 20% B005, 10% B005v2, 20% B005v3, 30% SB091, and 20% SB055. It has been aged in toasted and charred oak barrels for over four years, is non-chill filtered, and is bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). This blend exemplifies Chattanooga Whiskey’s commitment to quality and innovation in bourbon production.
Looking ahead, Chattanooga Whiskey has plans for their next Bottled in Bond Vintage release in October. This upcoming release will feature a new recipe, SB101, which includes dark roasted and toasted malts to create a rich, caramel flavor profile that is perfect for the fall season. Each release in the Bottled in Bond series continues to push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship, solidifying Chattanooga Whiskey’s reputation as a leader in the whiskey industry.
For more information about Chattanooga Whiskey, their products, and to stay updated on upcoming releases, visit their website at www.chattanoogawhiskey.com. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or new to the world of bourbon, the Spring 2020 Vintage offers a unique and enjoyable tasting experience that captures the spirit of spring and summer in every sip.
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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.
