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Chattanooga Whiskey Maple Syrup Cask Finish Review

Chattanooga Whiskey's seventh Barrel Finishing Series release features a unique Michigan maple syrup cask finish that adds layers of maple candy and toasted grain to their Tennessee High Malt bourbon. While the nose delivers intoxicating maple sweetness, the palate presents an interesting competition between bourbon oak and maple syrup profiles.

OVERALL RATING

7
$56
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

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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.

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.
Appearance:
Maple Syrup
Nose:
Maple sugar, soft wheat, caramel sugar, wood and oak. It smells like the missing piece of a big diner breakfast.
Palate:
Dark sugar syrup, some touches of maple, warming oak, medium coffee, there is a tannic wood profile and just a hint of smoke.
Finish:
Watery mouthfeel with a medium finish. White sugar with lingering light chocolate, wood, and maple syrup sugars.
Comments:
The nose was almost intoxicatingly sweet and really put the maple finish on display but the profile was distinctly bourbon forward but more in competition than compliment to the maple syrup profile. I know this style of whiskey, specifically maple syrup finish, is extremely popular in Canada and the North-East of the United States. At least so I’ve heard. Which may have impacted my opinion, however, I was expected more a stronger maple syrup profile than I received.

While the nose certainly did not disappoint, the body felt as though it just couldn’t decide where it wanted to go. It almost broke back and forth between maple sugar and oak bourbon. Which wasn’t bad, far from it, this is a tasty dram! It is certainly a Fall drink. It would melt away in an eggnog or a coffee. The nose is lovely and has a nice punch to it! Do not hesitate to share or mix this to really bolden up your favorite Fall beverage.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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