PBMichiganWolverine
Chattanooga Whiskey Barrel Finishing Series: Islay Scotch Cask Finish
Other Whiskey — Tennessee, USA
Reviewed
March 11, 2023 (edited July 1, 2023)
If all you had your entire life were hamburgers, hotdogs, and plain spaghetti, you’d be in an awakening when you have masala curry, ceviche , sushi, or schezuan. The overload of flavors will introduce you to a wild ride. I remember in one of Trevor Noah’s standup comedies—-he said as a kid, all he had was some grilled chicken for lunch. But one day, his friend introduced him to curry chickpeas and buttery garlic naan. That opened up a whole new world of flavors and experiences beyond what he was normally used to.
That’s like this whiskey here. The Islay casking brings a range of flavors so unique and wild, you sort of wonder if it’s really American whiskey in your glass.
Nose isn’t Islay. It’s not American. It’s something else. Sweet, no wait…tabacco shop? Wait. No. Salty sea spray.
Palette is just as wild. Ashy, barbecue, some sweet corn…cigars. Wow.
This is a must try. It’s my first exposure to Chattanooga, but this experiment of theirs is a home run. I’m not sure if it’s repeatable…a lot has to do with those unique casks they got a hold of. If you see this—-buy on sight. For a mere $65, this is a MUST BUY.
65.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@hardfarter I’m in NJ/NYC area, maybe distribution is a bit bad here I think. I ordered the Islay one online—was surprised to find it. I did see a new Honey barrel one on Seelbach, but I don’t know…seems a bit too sweet
@pbmichiganwolverine That's a bummer! I'm in Ohio and the 111 Cask Strength sits on shelves here all day. I've never seen a single of their special release ones however, so maybe there's a trade off between MI and OH haha Dunno where you're at in relation to the OH border but it's all over the place in Toledo according to the Liquor Dept's app.
@hardfarter I’ve heard good things of that 111, as well as one of their experimental wine finishes. Issue is finding those —hard to come by
Seriously, even their off-the-shelf 111 Cask Strength is absolutely worth a buy. It probably won't compare in complexity to the crazy cask finishes, but definitely pick up a bottle of the 111 if you want to see just how solid a 2-year aged whiskey can be. I was completely gobsmacked when I found out the age on it.
@DjangoJohnson I was totally surprised by this one. Really a myriad of flavors
My wife picked up 2 bottles of this for me when I’m Georgia last year. I drank the first and loved every sip. Saving the second for a special occasion. She also got me the Chattanooga 10th anniversary which I haven’t gotten to yet
@PBMichiganWolverine Thanks, this sounds amazing and I really look forward to trying it.
@PBMichiganWolverine thanks. I am getting my “whiskey closet” installed next week. So once I get my collection in place I will get my pours for you on return. Thanks for thinking of me.
@pkingmartin @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington @Richard-ModernDrinking @ctbeck11 I’ll include this in our April tasting. I think you guys will love it. Hey @Scott_E let me know when you settle in…I have this saved for you as well.