Chattanooga Whiskey has done it again, rolling out a bourbon that’s as bold as a Tennessee sunset and as cozy as a fall morning. Their newest release, the Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon, marks the seventh chapter in their acclaimed Barrel Finishing Series. This limited-edition whiskey, which hit the shelves at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery on August 28, is a love letter to craftsmanship, regional flavor, and the kind of innovation that makes bourbon lovers sit up and take notice. With only a small batch available, this release is poised to become a collector’s favorite and a must-have for anyone who appreciates a whiskey that tells a story with every sip.
A Marriage of Tennessee and Michigan
The heart of this bourbon lies in its unique finishing process, which blends the robust character of Tennessee High Malt with the distinct sweetness of Michigan’s late harvest maple syrup casks. Chattanooga Whiskey’s distillers didn’t just pick any barrels for this project. They went straight to America’s Upper Midwest, specifically Michigan, where maple syrup isn’t just a breakfast staple—it’s an art form. Michigan maple syrup, especially from the final draws of the season, is known among enthusiasts for its small-batch, kettle-cooked richness. These casks, previously filled with old-growth, late harvest syrup, bring a depth and complexity that transforms the bourbon into something truly special.
The result? A whiskey that’s warm, inviting, and layered with flavors that feel like a crisp autumn day. Think maple candy melting on your tongue, the subtle crunch of toasted grain, and the smooth embrace of soft oak. It’s the kind of profile that makes you want to pour a glass, settle into a leather chair, and let the world slow down for a while.
Crafted with Precision: The Mash Bill Magic
What sets this bourbon apart is Chattanooga Whiskey’s thoughtful approach to its mash bills. Rather than relying on a single recipe, they blended two distinct Tennessee High Malt mash bills—Barrel 91 and Barrel 76—to complement the maple syrup casks. This isn’t just throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best; it’s a deliberate dance of flavors, designed to elevate both the whiskey and the cask it’s finished in.
Barrel 91 is the backbone, delivering a layered complexity with caramel and honey malts that add a rich, toasty depth. It’s the kind of flavor that feels like it’s been simmering in a barrel for years, soaking up every bit of character from the wood. Meanwhile, Barrel 76 brings a different kind of magic, with its long-toasted aromatic malts that echo the warm, maple-like notes of the finishing casks. These malts are slow-toasted to coax out deeper, more robust flavors, creating a profile that mirrors the kettle-cooked intensity of Michigan’s late harvest syrup.
Together, these mash bills don’t just sit in the cask—they amplify it. The result is a bourbon that’s balanced, with the maple syrup cask enhancing the whiskey’s natural flavors without overpowering them. It’s a testament to the skill of Chattanooga’s Founding Distiller, Grant McCracken, who has a knack for blending tradition with innovation.
The Aging Process: Patience Pays Off
This isn’t a rushed whiskey. The Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon spends over four years maturing, with the final year dedicated to finishing in those prized Michigan maple syrup barrels. Bottled at 95 proof (47.5% alcohol by volume), it’s strong enough to hold its own in a cocktail but smooth enough to sip neat. The batch size is small—just six to eight barrels—making this a true limited release that’s likely to disappear fast.
The bourbon is crafted in 53-gallon toasted and charred oak barrels before its finishing period, which adds a classic bourbon backbone of warmth and spice. The maple syrup casks then work their magic, infusing the whiskey with a sweetness that’s never cloying. Instead, it’s refined, with tasting notes that evoke a hearty stack of pancakes drizzled with syrup, the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potato, the nostalgic crunch of maple candy, and the creamy richness of a malted milk ball. It’s a flavor profile that feels like a memory you didn’t know you had, pulling you back to simpler times with every sip.
A Legacy of Innovation
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Barrel Finishing Series, which began in 2021, is all about pushing boundaries while staying true to the roots of Tennessee whiskey. Each release in the series pairs their signature Tennessee High Malt—a style known for its malt-forward, complex profile—with unique finishing casks from specific regions. Past releases have explored everything from Islay Scotch casks to Tawny Port barrels, but this Michigan maple syrup finish feels like a home run for anyone who loves bold, seasonal flavors.
The distillery itself is a story of grit and determination. Founded in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey fought to change Tennessee laws that had banned distillation in the area for over a century. Their victory led to the creation of the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, a hub of innovation that now welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. This is where the magic happens—where distillers like McCracken experiment with new mash bills, aging techniques, and finishing casks to create whiskeys that stand out in a crowded market.
Where to Find It
If you’re itching to get your hands on a bottle, you’ll need to act fast. The Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon is available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, where it retails for $59.99 for a 750ml bottle. For those who can’t make the trip to Chattanooga, limited quantities will also be available online through Seelbachs.com in the coming weeks. If you miss out on this release, you can still explore other Chattanooga Whiskey offerings, like their flagship Chattanooga Whiskey 91 or the unfiltered Cask 111, available through Seelbachs.com and ReserveBar.com in select states.
Why It Matters
This bourbon isn’t just about great taste—it’s about storytelling. From the Michigan maple syrup casks to the carefully blended mash bills, every detail reflects a commitment to quality and creativity. For whiskey enthusiasts, it’s a chance to experience something new, something that captures the essence of two distinct American regions: Tennessee’s bold distilling heritage and Michigan’s quiet mastery of maple syrup. It’s a bottle that deserves a spot on your shelf, not just for sipping but for savoring the craft behind it.
Whether you’re pouring it neat to enjoy its full complexity or mixing it into a fall-inspired cocktail, this bourbon is a reminder that the best things in life are worth waiting for. So grab a glass, take a sip, and let Chattanooga Whiskey’s latest creation warm you from the inside out.
