Chattanooga Whiskey Review: 2024 Bottled in Bond and High Malt Tasting
Tennessee has a long history with whiskey. For a long time, only a few big names made spirits in the state. Chattanooga Whiskey changed that. They fought to change the laws so they could distill in their hometown. Now, they are famous for their unique style called Tennessee High Malt. This brand does not follow the old rules of bourbon. They use a lot of malted grains to create new flavors. Today, we look at two of their most popular bottles. We will taste the 91 proof High Malt and the 2024 Bottled in Bond. Both bottles have a lot of fans, but are they worth your money? Let's find out.
The Story of Chattanooga Whiskey and High Malt
Chattanooga Whiskey started with a simple goal. They wanted to bring whiskey back to Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. To do this, they had to change the laws. Once they won that fight, they started making something different. Most bourbon uses a lot of corn and just a little bit of malted barley. Chattanooga Whiskey uses much more malt. Their mash bills often have more than 25 percent malted grains.
This high malt content changes the flavor profile. It makes the whiskey taste like honey, chocolate, and baked goods. They call this Tennessee High Malt. They make their spirits at two different places. They have an experimental distillery for small batches. They also have a larger riverfront distillery for their main products. This review focuses on their core 91 proof bourbon and a special seasonal release.
An Honest Review of the 91 Proof Straight Bourbon
The 91 proof bottle is the flagship of the brand. It is a straight bourbon whiskey. This means it meets all the strict rules for bourbon. It is aged for at least two years in charred oak barrels. This whiskey is made from four different grains. It features a blend of three different charred oak barrels. The goal is to create a consistent and rich flavor.
The Appearance and First Impressions
When you pour the 91 proof into a glass, it has a beautiful amber color. It looks rich and inviting. The bottle design is classic and clean. It tells you exactly what is inside. It is not chill-filtered. This means more of the natural oils and flavors stay in the liquid.
The Aroma and Nose
The first thing you notice when you smell this whiskey is the sweetness. It does not hit you with a harsh alcohol burn. Instead, you get notes of honey and butterscotch. There is a light scent of toasted oak in the background. It smells like a fresh pastry shop. You might also find a hint of vanilla and caramel. It is a very pleasant nose for a 91 proof spirit.
The Flavor and Palate
On the first sip, the whiskey feels oily and thick. This is a sign of high quality. The taste follows the smell very well. You get a lot of milk chocolate and honey. It is sweet but not too sugary. There is a bit of baking spice like cinnamon. The malted grains give it a bready quality. It tastes like toasted bread with honey on top.
The Finish
The finish is the taste that stays in your mouth after you swallow. For the 91 proof, the finish is medium in length. It ends with a touch of pepper and more oak. It is very smooth. You do not need to add water or ice to enjoy this. It is a great daily sipper for anyone who likes sweet and malty flavors.
Diving into the 2024 Bottled in Bond Spring Vintage
The Bottled in Bond (BiB) release is a step up in intensity. To be called Bottled in Bond, a whiskey must follow very strict federal laws. It must be 100 proof, which is 50 percent alcohol. It must be the product of one distillation season by one distiller at one distillery. It also must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years. This 2024 Spring Vintage follows all those rules.
How it Differs from the 91 Proof
This bottle is more complex than the standard 91 proof. Because it is 100 proof, it has more punch. The Spring 2024 release uses a specific blend of high malt mash bills. It is designed to show off the flavors of that specific growing season. It is a limited release, so it feels more special to hold and taste.
Tasting the 2024 Bottled in Bond
- The Nose: This smells deeper and darker than the 91 proof. You get dark fruits like plum and fig. There is a stronger scent of charred wood and leather. It smells more "mature" than the younger flagship bottle.
- The Palate: The taste is bold. The extra alcohol makes the flavors pop. You get brown sugar and dark chocolate. There is a distinct note of black cherry. The high malt content is still there, but it feels more integrated with the oak.
- The Finish: This finish lasts a long time. It leaves a warm feeling in your chest. You get a lingering taste of toasted nuts and espresso. It is a very satisfying experience.
Comparing the Two Bottles
Choosing between these two depends on what you like. The 91 proof is easy to drink. It is perfect for someone new to whiskey. It also works great in cocktails like an Old Fashioned. The flavors are bright and sweet. It is usually more affordable and easier to find at the store.
The 2024 Bottled in Bond is for the whiskey enthusiast. If you want more complexity, this is the one. It has more layers of flavor. The higher proof means it can stand up to a large ice cube without getting watered down. It is a more robust experience.
| Feature | 91 Proof High Malt | 2024 Bottled in Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Proof | 91 (45.5% ABV) | 100 (50% ABV) |
| Age | At least 2 Years | At least 4 Years |
| Primary Notes | Honey, Milk Chocolate | Dark Fruit, Brown Sugar |
| Best For | Daily Sipping | Special Occasions |
| Feel | Smooth and Light | Bold and Rich |
Is Chattanooga Whiskey Worth the Hype?
The short answer is yes. Many new distilleries release whiskey that is too young. It can taste like grass or raw grain. Chattanooga Whiskey does not have that problem. Their "High Malt" process makes the whiskey taste older and more finished than it actually is. They are doing something different from the big brands in Kentucky and Lynchburg.
The price point for these bottles is usually very fair. You are getting a craft product that has a lot of heart. They do not take shortcuts. They do not source their whiskey from other states. Everything is made and aged by them. This honesty shows in the glass.
Final Thoughts on the Tasting Experience
If you are looking for a new bottle to add to your shelf, Chattanooga Whiskey is a great choice. The 91 proof is a solid winner for any day of the week. It is sweet, malty, and very approachable. The 2024 Bottled in Bond is a treat for those who want more power and fruit notes.
Both whiskeys show that Tennessee has more to offer than just one or two big names. Chattanooga is making a name for itself by being bold. They have stayed true to their "High Malt" vision. This has paid off with a product that stands out in a crowded market. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, these bottles deserve a spot on your bar.
Have you tried any of the Tennessee High Malt expressions? Each year brings new batches and new flavors to explore. The 2024 Spring Vintage is a great example of their progress. It shows that they are only getting better with time. Grab a glass and see why so many people are talking about this distillery. It is an adventure in every sip.
Check out more about their story and products at the official Chattanooga Whiskey website. You can learn about their process and find where to buy these bottles near you. Happy tasting!