Dustin Gandoff
Nose
Ripe dark berries | Dark chocolate | Rhubarb | Toasted oak | Hint of toffee | Juicy | Clear influence from additional finishing barrel
Palate
Malted grain | Juicy dark berries | Dry baking chocolate | Charred oak | Dried leather | Hint of tobacco leaf
Finish
Peppery spice tingle | Aged oak | Touch of dark berries | Leather | Baking spices | Warming heat
Uniqueness
Value
Overall
A “juicy” whiskey, Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished proves that you can produce a fantastic barrel finished whiskey without having to give it a triple digit price tag.
Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished marks the third iteration in the company’s limited edition finishing series. For this release, they sourced used cabernet sauvignon barrels from Silver Oak Cellars, which are located in the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma’s North Coast. Chattanooga utilized these barrels to finish the whiskey for over 18 months. The company states that the batch size was only 6-8 barrels. While the mashbills used in this blend are proprietary to Chattanooga Whiskey, the company did provide us with flavor profiles for each one:
R18077 – Toast, Sage
R18087 – Smoke, Cacao
R18088 – Coffee, Caramel
R18096 – Pastry, Thyme
R18097 – Blackberry, Spice
Upon first sniff, the nose of the Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished grabs you with its ripe dark berry notes that serve as the star. Supporting notes of dark chocolate, rhubarb, and toasted oak add additional intrigue. The palate follows a similar route showcasing the juiciness from the nose while adding in drier aspects of baking chocolate, oak, and leather which provide a nice counterbalance. An initial pepperiness on the finish surprises with its tingling spice that is followed by oak, dark berries, and baking spices.
This release of Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished adds a slight twist to the wine finished whiskeys category. The various straight malt mashbills used along with the extended time being finished in the wine barrels brings about more standard dark fruit flavors while also providing a nice addition of more typical malty notes. Priced right, and with a sip that is hard not to enjoy, this is a finished malted whiskey that is definitely worth seeking out.
Classification: Straight Malt Whiskey fInished in Cabernet Sauvignon Casks
Company: Chattanooga Whiskey Co.
Distillery: Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery
Release Date: January 2023
Proof: 95
Age: 4 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed blend of R18077, R18087, R18088, R18096, R18097 mashbills
Color: Mahogany
MSRP: $60 (2023)
This review gives a detailed description of the whiskey, highlighting specific flavors and influences from the finishing barrel. It also mentions the uniqueness and value of the product, proving that quality whiskey doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. The addition of details about the sourcing of the barrels adds to the overall appreciation for the product and its craftsmanship.
The dark berry and chocolate notes in the nose and palate of Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished make it a truly unique and delicious whiskey. The use of cabernet sauvignon barrels adds a subtle but noticeable influence, creating a well-balanced and flavorful finish. Its relatively affordable price point is impressive, making it a great value for whiskey lovers. Overall, a highly recommended choice.
This comment describes the reviewer’s positive experience with Chattanooga Silver Oak Cabernet Cask Oak Finished whiskey. The reviewer mentions the distinct nose, palate and finish of the whiskey, as well as the unique use of cabernet sauvignon barrels for finishing. The whiskey is praised for its affordable price point and overall enjoyment.