Review: Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 11th Anniversary Blend
Chattanooga Whiskey is out with another Anniversary Blend, the 11th for those counting at home. As with previous years, this whiskey is a combination of house-distilled product and whiskey sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Here are the specifics from the gang at Chattanooga:
Following in the footsteps of last year’s critically acclaimed 10th Anniversary Blend, the 11th Anniversary edition of Founder’s revisits a familiar theme by blending three whiskeys which symbolize the company’s past, present, and future. Similar to last year’s vintage, this year’s blend includes two repeat inclusions: the company’s original law-changing “1816” whiskey recipe (Lawrenceburg, IN), along with the company’s now signature “Barrel 91” recipe (Chattanooga, TN). These two solera-finished whiskeys from the “past” and “present” join whiskey from a third “Infinity” solera, which contrastingly contains an evolving blend of straight whiskeys from both of Chattanooga Whiskey’s distilleries.
Let’s check it out.
This Founder’s release seems less malt-forward than its predecessor showcasing malt and spice in equal measure on the nose with notes of cinnamon rolls, vanilla ice cream, and buttery, seasoned oak. As it opens, it grows bigger and warmer with a bold brown sugar note, oiled furniture, and pecan shells. The palate is once again rich and round with pie spice and cracked pepper kicking off a long, simmering warmth that extends across the sip. The flavors begin earthy and a bit gritty but quickly transition to a nice mix of fruit, vanilla, and oak. It’s quite a soothing whiskey, to use Chris’s observation from last year, with notes of dark berry jam, candied lemon peel, black cherry, and pastry cream. After all those lush top notes the finish feels a bit dry and leathery, but there’s just enough lingering toffee and cream soda notes to bring me back.
100 proof.
