Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111

Not as sweet as the 91. Fuller flavors, notably cinnamon; spicy.

The first couple nips of this I found to be unbearably hot, even though I prefer my whiskey with some bite. A few weeks later I find this to be much more tolerable and pleasant. Not sure if the batches vary significantly, as I've seen others say the proof seemed well-hidden in this whiskey. The taste is not traditional bourbon. There's a malty-ness and strong chocolate note that I don't typically find in bourbon. I'm liking this better a couple weeks after opening. Very pleasant but unconventional for a bourbon.

Very Complex and a lot of surprises from a high proof young bourbon. First whiff is alcohol but still tame. Next whiff, I get citrus and rye spice. Drying a few drops on my palms, there is a faint barrel aroma but the spiciness is there too. Nice! The color is dark copper in the bottle but medium amber in the glass and a very slight curtain at the rim, stingy with tears. The alcohol dissipates quickly and the sweet fruit fragrances intensify. Don't get much of the cherry that others do but citrus, peach and mango with layers of baking spices and a touch of mint. Should I sniff long enough, there are more fragrances in the background. It really evolves. Very little vanilla and oak. I am loving this nose even though caramel and butterscotch are my favorites and they are mostly aol. Had I tasted this blind, I would say it's 90-95 proof 4yr rye. The alcohol is incredibly well resolved for a two year bourbon. A few sips and the burn in your chest reminds you that it's 111 proof. The palate is not as elegant as the nose but again very complex and the rye component comes across the strongest. The finish is buttered lemon toffee and goes quite a while. In looking at it as a bourbon, it's missing a lot that I look for but it really satisfies as a different kind of whiskey. It's incredibly complex, the alcohol is tame and the value is there but it lacks chewiness. I really like this one but it's like nothing I've ever had.

I don’t know if I’ve ever had a bourbon drink this far under proof, & that is a compliment. I would believe that 111 is 90 for as easy as it goes down, until that long, lingering finish. Notes of vanilla and butterscotch, though I pull a revolving door of candies—but all candy store goodness, not over sweetness. At $45, a unique, high value bottle.