I’m kicking off Bourbon Heritage Month and the 30 Days of Bourbon with something I’ve become obsessed with of late — Chattanooga Whiskey’s new Harvest Bourbon. If you haven’t explored their offerings yet, now is the perfect time to start.
Chattanooga Whiskey, founded in 2011, revived the city’s whiskey-making tradition and quickly became a hub of innovation. Known for their high-malt recipes, they push the boundaries of traditional bourbon with creative aging techniques and diverse malts. Their Experimental Distillery, established in 2015, is where they craft these unique bourbons, like the Harvest Bourbon, that stand apart from the rest.
The Harvest Bourbon is one of those amazing creations. This seven-grain high malt bourbon is part of Chattanooga Whiskey’s experimental batches, crafted with a unique mash bill that includes non-traditional grains like malted rice, oats, and triticale. Aged in custom-toasted barrels, this six-barrel batch showcases the creativity and attention to detail that Chattanooga Whiskey is known for.
I really enjoy how the different grains contribute to this bourbon’s complex profile. The malted rice adds a distinct floral and toasty note, balancing the richness. The triticale brings a sweet, spicy edge, while the malted oats contribute to a creamy mouthfeel, providing a canvas for these flavors to play out. As I sip, the flavors rise and fall like waves through that creamy texture—one moment spicy, the next soft and sweet.
One of the joys of being a bartender is sharing these unique finds with others. Recently, I brought a pour of the Harvest Bourbon to one of my regulars at the bar. This customer, a traditional bourbon drinker, usually sticks to Woodford or Benchmark Top Shelf. He often jokes about having a simple palate, but I see it differently—he knows what he likes, but there’s always room to explore something new.
I poured him an ounce, added a few small ice cubes since he prefers his whiskey cold, and watched as he was pleasantly surprised by the range of flavors. Over the next thirty minutes, we discussed what he was experiencing. Each time I checked in, he’d take another sip and smile, clearly enjoying this departure from his usual choices.
Seeing him enjoy the Harvest Bourbon as much as I do was a reminder of why I love sharing these discoveries. Bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s an experience meant to be savored and shared. The Harvest Bourbon, with its complex flavors and innovative mash bill, is a testament to the craft and creativity that makes Chattanooga Whiskey stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this is one pour you won’t want to miss.
As we celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month and embark on the 30 Days of Bourbon, I can’t think of a better way to start than with a pour that truly represents the spirit of exploration and innovation in the world of craft bourbon.
Chattanooga Whiskey Harvest Bourbon
Mash Bill:
- Yellow Corn (60%)
- Malted Triticale (10%)
- Malted Rice (9%)
- Malted Oats (9%)
- Jasmine Rice (7%)
- Malted Barley (3%)
- Malted Rye (2%)
Barrel Aging:
- Aged in custom-toasted, long-seasoned oak barrels
- 6-barrel batch
- Aged over 5 years
Proof:
115 proof (57.5% ABV)
Availability:
- Limited release, available at Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
- Price: $69.99 for a 750ml bottle
Distillery Information:
- Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery
- Established: 2015
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
