Chattanooga Whiskey, the trailblazing titan of Tennessee's craft whiskey scene, is set to mark its 12th anniversary with the unveiling of the highly anticipated Founder's 12th Anniversary Blend. A labor of love curated annually by the visionary Founder Tim Piersant, this exceptional blend is a celebration of Chattanooga Whiskey's rich heritage, its vibrant present, and the boundless possibilities of its future.
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Scheduled for release on April 26, 2024, at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, this commemorative blend is the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and a profound respect for tradition. Embodied within each bottle is a narrative that weaves together the past, present, and future of Chattanooga Whiskey's journey.
At the heart of Founder's 12th Anniversary Blend lies the Solera Room, nestled within Chattanooga Whiskey's Riverfront Distillery. This sacred space houses three bespoke charred oak solera barrels, each brimming with whiskeys of distinct styles and origins. It's here that Founder Tim Piersant, along with his team of master distillers, embarks on an annual ritual of exploration and discovery, seeking to unearth the essence of Chattanooga Whiskey's essence.
The blend itself is a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted from a harmonious marriage of whiskeys distilled both in Chattanooga and Lawrenceburg, IN. It's a testament to the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, with each component whisky representing a chapter in Chattanooga Whiskey's storied narrative.
Diving into the details of Founder's 12th Anniversary Blend reveals a tapestry of complexity:
- Mash Bills: A carefully calibrated composition of 12% 1816RES, 60% SB091, and 28% INFINITY, each contributing its unique character to the final blend.
- Filtration: Non-chill, preserving the full spectrum of flavors and aromas.
- Proof: A robust 100 (50% Alc/Vol), ensuring a bold and expressive palate.
- Age: Aged greater than 2 years, attesting to the depth and maturity of the blend.
- Cooperage: Matured in 53-gallon toasted and charred oak barrels, imparting rich complexity and depth.
- Finish: Three separate charred oak solera barrels, each adding layers of nuance and depth to the final product.
- Batch Size: Crafted from 9-11 barrels, ensuring consistency and excellence with every pour.
- Tasting Notes: A tantalizing array of flavors awaits the discerning palate, from blackberry cobbler and candied ginger to cream soda, red velvet cake, and oatmeal raisin cookie.
The journey of Founder's 12th Anniversary Blend begins with a nod to the past, embodied in the 1816 solera barrel. This whiskey, steeped in history, represents Chattanooga Whiskey's pivotal role in galvanizing a community and overturning century-old Prohibition laws.
Moving to the present, Barrel 91 takes center stage, showcasing Chattanooga Whiskey's signature Tennessee High Malt recipe. Born from the depths of experimentation, this blend is a testament to the distillery's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Finally, peering into the future, the INFINITY solera barrel offers a glimpse of what's to come. An ever-evolving blend of innovative recipes, it embodies the spirit of exploration and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller and Chief Product Officer, reflects on the profound diversity encapsulated within each solera barrel, remarking on the distinctiveness of their individual profiles and the endless potential for creative blending.
Founder's 12th Anniversary Blend is not merely a whiskey; it's a journey, a story, and a testament to the unwavering commitment of Chattanooga Whiskey to push the boundaries of craft and redefine the art of whiskey-making. As it makes its debut on April 26, 2024, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike are invited to embark on this remarkable odyssey, celebrating 12 years of excellence and raising a glass to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
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About Chattanooga Whiskey
Chattanooga Whiskey is a craft distillery based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for its innovative approach to whiskey-making and its dedication to quality craftsmanship. Founded in 2011 by Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter, Chattanooga Whiskey played a significant role in the revival of whiskey production in the city, which had been dormant since Prohibition. The distillery is committed to using locally sourced grains and traditional distillation methods to create its signature whiskies, which embody the spirit and character of Chattanooga.
One of the distinguishing features of Chattanooga Whiskey is its experimental approach to whiskey production, which involves exploring different aging techniques, barrel finishes, and mash bills to create unique and distinctive flavor profiles. The distillery's core range includes several expressions, such as its Tennessee High Malt and Tennessee Straight Bourbon whiskies, each crafted with care and attention to detail.
Chattanooga Whiskey's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards and accolades, as well as a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts. The distillery's whiskies are known for their smoothness, complexity, and depth of flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice that delight the palate.
In addition to its whiskies, Chattanooga Whiskey also offers guided tours and tastings at its distillery, allowing visitors to learn about the whiskey-making process and sample its spirits firsthand. The distillery's visitor center showcases the history and heritage of Chattanooga Whiskey, providing a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of craft distillation.
Overall, Chattanooga Whiskey stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in the craft spirits industry, with its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and community making it a beloved and respected whiskey brand in Tennessee and beyond.
