Chattanooga Whiskey has unveiled the seventh release in its Barrel Finishing Series, featuring a unique Michigan maple syrup cask finish that transforms Tennessee High Malt bourbon into something distinctly autumnal.
Chattanooga Whiskey’s Maple Syrup Cask Finished Process
The Tennessee distillery selected late harvest maple syrup casks from Michigan for this limited release. These casks previously held old growth, late harvest syrup known for its “kettle-cooked complexity”. The finishing process adds what the distillery describes as “layered notes of maple candy, toasted grain, and soft oak” to the whiskey’s profile.
“Since launching our Finishing Series in 2021, our aim has been simple: elevate both the whiskey and the finishing cask. To do that, we get precise. Instead of relying on a single mash bill, we blend mash bills to match the finishing cask’s character,” said Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller at Chattanooga Whiskey. “And instead of sourcing finishing barrels broadly, we select barrels from specific regions – each with its own terroir.”
The distilling team blended two bourbon mash bills for this release. The first, Barrel 91, features caramel and honey malts. The second, Barrel 76, includes two types of aromatic malt that undergo slow-toasting to develop deeper flavors. “Together, these profiles amplify the finishing cask’s character – enhancing its flavor without overshadowing it,” said McCracken.
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Release Details for Maple Syrup Cask Finished Bourbon
The whiskey aged for more than four years total, including one year in the maple syrup casks. Bottled at 95 proof, the official tasting notes include pancakes, sweet potato, maple candy, and malted milk ball.
The Michigan Maple Syrup Cask Finished bourbon will retail for $59.99 per 750ml bottle. Distribution includes the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery and select retailers across 19 states and Washington, D.C. These states include Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Limited quantities will also be available through online retailer Seelbach’s for shipping to select states.
This release marks the continuation of Chattanooga Whiskey’s Finishing Series, which began in 2021. The series focuses on pairing Tennessee High Malt bourbon with various finishing casks from specific regions.
