Chattanooga Whiskey announced the return of its Vault Series – a  collection of offshoot experiments, alternate concepts, and rare single barrels – which offers a glimpse into the  distilling team’s creative process.  

This year’s multiple Vault releases revisit one of the company’s rarest Experimental Batches – Batch 002: Smoked High Malt – originally released in 2017. While the original Batch was made exclusively with cherry wood smoked  malted barley, this series of four single barrels experiments with multiple varieties of hardwood smoked malted barley including mesquite, apple, and cherry wood smoked malts – each of which contribute their own unique  flavor and aroma to the final whiskey.

“The original Batch 002 was released back in 2017, and has become something of a cult favorite,” Tiana Saul, Head Distiller, said in a news release. “For the 2024 Vault Series, we’ve returned to that classic recipe and taken it a step further by highlighting a range of different smoked malts, distilling them in our column still, and aging each one in a long-toasted and charred oak barrel.” 

Aged for over six years, these four single barrels each contain approximately 18% smoked malted barley. Of the four barrels, two contain mesquite smoked malted barley, one contains apple wood smoked malted barley, and the last barrel contains a combination of all three varieties. Together, the series showcases the subtle yet dynamic flavors of smoked malt as a secondary grain, all while staying true to Chattanooga Whiskey’s trademarked Tennessee High Malt style.

“While specialty recipes such as these are usually reserved for larger blended releases to create greater depth, this year’s Vault is a rare opportunity to individually compare the nuances of multiple smoked malts, in an uncut single barrel context,” Saul said. “Although each barrel has its own unique personality, all feature a subtle smokiness that asserts its  presence without dominating the profile.” 

Bottled at barrel proof in 375ml bottles, the 2024 Vault Series will be available exclusively at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery for $46.99 per bottle while supplies last.

Read more: Chattanooga Whiskey Releases Fall Vintage Series Bottled in Bond

About Chattanooga Whiskey

The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery opened in 2011. The distillery now hosts over 50,000 visitors annually and  serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. In 2017, the Chattanooga Whiskey Riverfront Distillery opened as the production home of Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, Barrel Finishing Series, and Founder’s Anniversary Blend. For more information, visit https://chattanoogawhiskey.com/.