Chattanooga Maple Cask Finished Bourbon 750ML is a 95-proof (47.5% ABV) Tennessee bourbon finished for one year in late-harvest Michigan maple syrup casks. Produced by Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery — named Craft Producer of the Year at both the American and Global levels at Whisky Magazine's 2023 World Whiskies Awards — this expression showcases the distillery's thoughtful approach to blending two distinct mash bills with a purpose-matched finishing cask.Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof) | Origin: Chattanooga, Tennessee | 4+ Years, 1 Year Maple Cask Finish | Distillery: Chattanooga Riverfront DistilleryProduction & HeritageChattanooga Whiskey operates from its Riverfront Distillery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has rapidly earned recognition for its experimental, malt-forward approach to American whiskey. This maple cask expression blends two proprietary bourbon mash bills: SB076, built on yellow corn with pale malted rye, aromatic Munich malted barley, and caramel aromatic malted barley; and SB091, which uses yellow corn alongside malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley. After aging a minimum of four years, the blended bourbon spends an additional year finishing in small-batch, kettle-cooked maple syrup casks sourced from Michigan — specifically casks that held old-growth, late-harvest syrup from the final draws of the season, prized for their deeper, more complex sweetness. The distillery intentionally selected mash bills whose aromatic malt components naturally echo maple-like flavors, creating a seamless bridge between the base bourbon and the finishing cask's character.Tasting NotesAroma: Amaretto and sweet potato emerge first, followed by genuine maple syrup and charred oak. A subtle layer of toasted grain and caramel syrup develops underneath as the bourbon opens in the glass.Taste: The entry is rich with amaretto and barrel-aged maple syrup, coating the palate with immediate sweetness balanced by charred oak structure. At mid-palate, honeyed malt and toffee expand alongside toasted cereal notes, while a soft oak backbone keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. The malt character from the dual mash bills is prominent, lending a bready depth that distinguishes this from one-dimensional flavored whiskeys.Finish: Medium-long, with molasses and roasted squash giving way to coffee bean, light smoke, and a lingering touch of s'mores. The maple sweetness fades gracefully, leaving behind a pleasant interplay of char and toasted grain.How to Drink Maple Cask Finished BourbonAt 95 proof, this bourbon stands up well neat or with a single ice cube, which gradually opens the maple and malt layers without drowning them. It also brings distinctive depth to cocktails. An Old Fashioned gains natural sweetness from the maple finish, reducing the need for added sugar. A Maple Bourbon Sour pairs the inherent syrup notes with fresh citrus for a balanced, autumnal riff on the classic. A Hot Toddy during colder months lets the molasses, coffee, and s'mores notes shine with warm water and a squeeze of lemon.Best For Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates cask-finished expressions After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or coffee Building a home bar collection focused on innovative American whiskeys Autumn and winter cocktail sessions featuring warm, malt-driven flavors Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Chattanooga Maple Cask taste like? It delivers rich barrel-aged maple syrup, amaretto, and honeyed malt flavors with a finish of molasses, coffee bean, and light smoke. The dual mash bill's aromatic malts add toasted cereal and toffee depth that complements the maple sweetness.How does Chattanooga Maple Cask compare to Widow Jane Decadence? Both bourbons use maple syrup barrel finishing, but Chattanooga's version blends two malt-forward mash bills specifically designed to complement the maple cask, while Widow Jane Decadence is a blend of straight bourbons finished in Crown Maple syrup barrels from New York's Hudson Valley. Chattanooga's expression leans more heavily into toasted grain and aromatic malt character, whereas Widow Jane Decadence tends toward a richer, more dessert-forward profile.Is Chattanooga Maple Cask good for sipping neat? Yes — at 47.5% ABV it carries enough proof to deliver full flavor without excessive heat, and the maple finishing adds complexity that rewards slow, undiluted sipping.Where is Chattanooga Maple Cask made? It is distilled and aged at the Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with its finishing casks sourced from small-batch maple syrup producers in Michigan.What foods pair well with Chattanooga Maple Cask? Pecan pie and its toasted nut sweetness mirror the bourbon's toffee and maple notes. Smoked pork belly echoes the light smoke on the finish. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. Dark chocolate truffles align with the coffee bean and molasses on the finish. Warm bread pudding with caramel sauce complements the toasted cereal and caramel character.What sizes does Chattanooga Maple Cask come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.Is Chattanooga Maple Cask worth the price? It positions as a mid-premium craft bourbon, and the combination of a four-plus-year age statement, dual mash bill blending, and a full year of maple cask finishing provides substantial production value relative to other cask-finished bourbons at this tier.Why Chattanooga Maple Cask?What separates this expression from the growing field of maple-influenced whiskeys is the intentionality behind its construction. Rather than simply finishing any available bourbon in maple casks, Chattanooga Whiskey built two mash bills — each featuring specialty aromatic and caramel malts — designed to naturally echo maple-like flavors before the liquid ever touches the finishing cask. The late-harvest, old-growth Michigan maple syrup casks add genuine depth rather than superficial sweetness, and the 95-proof bottling strength preserves the complexity gained during that year-long finishing period. For drinkers drawn to cask-finished American whiskey but wary of gimmicky flavoring, this is a seriously considered release from a distillery with global craft credentials.
