Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend 750ML

Chattanooga Whiskey Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend 750ML is a limited solera-style American whiskey bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) in a 750ml format. What sets this release apart is its three-barrel solera blending system — a technique virtually unheard of in American whiskey production — earning a B+ rating from Drinkhacker.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Chattanooga, Tennessee & Lawrenceburg, Indiana  |  Solera-Style Blend  |  Distillery: Chattanooga Whiskey

Production & Heritage

Chattanooga Whiskey, founded in 2011 on the Southside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, played a pivotal role in changing state law to legalize distilling in Hamilton County for the first time since Prohibition. The Founder's 11th Anniversary Blend draws from three distinct charred oak solera barrels, each representing a chapter in the distillery's story: the 1816RES barrel (25%) carries the original 1816 recipe distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, symbolizing the brand's past; the SB091 barrel (50%) holds their signature Barrel 91 whiskey distilled in Chattanooga, representing the present; and the Infinity barrel (25%) contains an ever-evolving blend that points toward the future. The final mashbill breakdown of 25% 1816RES, 50% SB091, and 25% INFINITY creates a layered whiskey that no single barrel could achieve alone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cream soda and vanilla bean emerge first, followed by warmer waves of toasted oak and cinnamon sticks. A faint thread of bergamot orange and rhubarb adds unexpected brightness beneath the sweetness.

Taste: The entry is rich and confectionery — chocolate chip cannoli and caramel candies coat the palate immediately. At mid-palate, berry cobbler and sweetened coffee develop real depth, while tobacco leaf and candied walnuts add a savory counterpoint. The 100-proof backbone carries all of this without any harsh ethanol bite.

Finish: Medium-long and textured, landing on birch beer and panna cotta with a gentle warmth. Lingering traces of bubble gum and cinnamon sticks slowly fade, leaving a clean, toasted oak impression.

How to Drink the 11th Anniversary Blend

Neat or with a few drops of water is the primary way to experience this whiskey — the solera complexity rewards patient sipping, and the water opens up the more delicate rhubarb and bergamot layers. That said, the 100-proof strength and confectionery richness give it real cocktail versatility.

• Old Fashioned: The cream soda and caramel sweetness pairs naturally with a demerara sugar cube and orange peel, requiring minimal sweetener.
• Manhattan: Berry cobbler and tobacco notes hold their own against sweet vermouth, adding warmth without being overwhelmed.
• Paper Plane: The bergamot orange and vanilla bean characteristics harmonize with Aperol and amaro, creating a seamless bitter-sweet balance.

Best For

• Collectors of limited-release American whiskey seeking unusual production methods
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values distillery storytelling and solera aging
• Side-by-side tastings comparing annual Chattanooga Whiskey anniversary releases
• After-dinner sipping alongside rich desserts like chocolate torte or bread pudding

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 11th Anniversary Blend taste like? It leads with confectionery sweetness — cream soda, chocolate chip cannoli, and caramel — then shifts into berry cobbler, tobacco, and toasted oak, finishing on birch beer and cinnamon warmth.

How does the 11th Anniversary Blend compare to the 10th Anniversary Blend? Both follow the same three-barrel solera concept, but because solera barrels are partially drained and refilled over time, each year's blend reflects a different ratio of aged liquid. The 11th Anniversary therefore represents a further evolution of the solera system, with older base whiskey contributing additional depth and complexity compared to the prior release.

Is the 11th Anniversary Blend good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof strength delivers robust flavor without excessive heat, and the layered solera blend rewards slow, attentive sipping where new notes emerge as the whiskey opens in the glass.

Where is the 11th Anniversary Blend made? The component whiskeys are distilled at two locations: Chattanooga Whiskey's distillery in Chattanooga, Tennessee (Barrel 91 and Infinity blends) and a distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana (the 1816 recipe). Blending and bottling are handled by Chattanooga Whiskey.

What foods pair well with the 11th Anniversary Blend? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cannoli and caramel notes; smoked pork belly echoes the tobacco and oak character; pecan pie mirrors the candied walnut sweetness; aged Gouda highlights the vanilla and cream soda tones; and fruit cobbler with stone fruits reinforces the berry and rhubarb layers.

What sizes does the 11th Anniversary Blend come in? This limited anniversary release is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is the 11th Anniversary Blend worth the price? It positions as a premium limited release within Chattanooga Whiskey's lineup, and the genuinely unique three-barrel solera production method — rare in American whiskey — adds tangible value beyond typical annual releases in a similar price tier.

Why the 11th Anniversary Blend?

The defining feature here is the solera system itself. Maintaining three separate charred oak solera barrels — each with a distinct identity and purpose — is a production commitment almost no other American whiskey distillery has attempted. Because solera barrels are never fully emptied, this bottle contains liquid that traces back through every previous year's contribution, making it genuinely unrepeatable. The 100-proof bottling strength preserves the full density of those blended layers, and the B+ score from Drinkhacker confirms this isn't just a concept piece — the whiskey in the glass delivers. For anyone interested in where Tennessee whiskey innovation is headed, this is a tangible snapshot of one distillery's past, present, and future in a single pour.