Chattanooga Whiskey Co. 1816 Cask

Nose: The pungent alcohol burn arrives first, followed with sweet florals, honey, rye spice. Lots of body and full characteristics of a barrel proof, promising. Hot spices and notes of toast and barrel guts ride on the spice warmth and subdued sugars, are first with less dark sugar complexity than is promised by the nose richness. Finishing dryer with hints of the cask mustiness and bits of acrid citruses. For an MGP product this is an all together different and unique offering with some very interesting characteristics. Adding a couple of thimbles of water and allowing this to breath for a bit - not much changes at the top, still a good bit of tangy richness. Little change as the harshness holds with mild sweet and spice and a somewhat easier finish. The buzz on this from whiskey review is somewhat warranted, but only somewhat. With the myriad of bibs, cask and barrel strengths available today the 1816 Cask isn't the standout it might have been say 10 years ago, however it speaks to the hard core bourbon drinkers among us and to date easily tops the arrivals with the Chattanooga label.

Bright, warm and sweet with a hint of maple and a nice lingering fire. Their rep at The Grove tasting was right when she called it their showstopper.

Full flavored, spicy yet smooth. Best of the bunch from Chattanooga Whiskey.