Chattanooga, TN (August 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey has officially announced the latest addition to their acclaimed Barrel Finishing Series: the Russian River Pinot Cask Finished Bourbon. This release marks the fifth entry in the limited-edition series, known for its innovative union of Tennessee High Malt bourbon with an array of expertly selected finishing casks.
A Distinctive Blend of Bourbon and California Pinot Noir
For this latest release, Chattanooga Whiskey’s distilling team turned to the celebrated Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. The region is renowned for its foggy, coastal climate that produces Pinot Noir grapes with vibrant fruit and subtle spice notes, including cherry, berry, and kola nut.
Chief Product Officer Grant McCracken emphasizes the focus behind this release, saying, “If there was one word to describe our finishing series, it’d be ‘focus.’ This particular release focuses on one of the world’s most esteemed Pinot Noir regions: California’s Russian River Valley. We introduced a variety of mash bills to these barrels, which collectively speak to the complex yet delicate fruit flavors of this region.”
Crafting the Perfect Blend – Chattanooga Whiskey Unveils New Russian River Pinot Cask Finished Bourbon
To highlight the unique characteristics of the Russian River Pinot Noir casks, Chattanooga Whiskey’s team crafted a custom blend of five bourbon mash bills. This blend includes their classic wheated and roasted mash bills, along with a special version of their signature Barrel 91 recipe distilled at higher proofs. The result is a more delicate and lively fruit character that complements the wine barrel’s influence.
“California Pinot Noir casks brought a dynamic balance of fruit-forward top notes and earthy, barrel-driven base notes,” says Tiana Saul, Head Distiller. “The result is a bright, juicy nose with hints of fresh-picked blackberries and cherry pie, followed by dark chocolate icing and brown sugar. It’s a robust whiskey with a full mouthfeel, punchy palate, and a lightly tannic finish.”
Availability and Pricing
Aged for over four years, including six months in the Pinot Noir casks, the Russian River Pinot Cask Finished Bourbon perfectly marries the flavors of roasted malt and bright fruit, showcasing the best of both whiskey and wine.
This limited-edition bourbon will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery and select retailers across 12 states, including AL, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, SC, TN, TX, and WI. It will retail at $59.99 for a 750ml bottle, with limited quantities also available online through Seelbachs.com for shipping to select states.
About Chattanooga Whiskey
Since 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey has been at the forefront of Tennessee’s whiskey revival, successfully challenging laws to bring distillation back to Chattanooga after a 100-year hiatus. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, the nation’s only standalone experimental distillery, attracts over 50,000 visitors annually, serving as a hub of creativity and innovation in craft whiskey. Their Riverfront Distillery is home to signature expressions like Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series and Barrel Finishing Series.
Independently owned and operated, Chattanooga Whiskey remains committed to producing high-quality, complex, and authentic spirits through their unique Tennessee High Malt style. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the distillery being named Craft Producer of the Year (America & Global) at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
For more information, visit www.chattanoogawhiskey.com.
